Mackay Base Hospital is equipped to care for unwell and preterm babies from 32 weeks gestation. If your baby is born younger than 32 weeks or is too unwell to be cared for in Mackay they will be transferred to Townsville Hospital, and transferred back when they are well enough in preparation to go home with you.
Visiting your baby in the nursery
Parents are welcomed and encouraged to visit the nursery at any time to be with their baby. Other visitors, such as grandparents and siblings of the baby, are welcome to visit, but must be accompanied by a parent and only one visitor can accompany one parent at a time.
Young children must be under parental supervision at all times whilst visiting in the nursery. Only siblings of the baby are to visit in the special care nursery. No other children are permitted. All visitors must be in good health with no coughs, colds or infections.
Hand washing
All visitors to the special care nursery must wash their hands every time they enter. Babies in the nursery are prone to catching germs and bugs and hand washing is very important to help protect your baby.
How long will my baby need to stay in the nursery?
This depends on your baby. Each baby is different and will be assessed by the doctors, nurses and midwives caring for them. If your baby is born premature, you can usually expect to have your baby home by the time they reach your original due date — if not a little bit earlier.
We understand that it can be frightening to have your baby in the nursery. Please feel free to ask the staff caring for your baby any questions. If your baby is born premature or sick, they may need to stay in hospital longer than you, but you are encouraged to visit your baby as often as you can. We can also offer social work and chaplain services if you need these.