STUNNING artwork and a comforting, private space have been provided at Cairns Hospital for families who experience pregnancy loss, thanks to community support.
The $200,000 project has been a collaboration between the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, businesses, artists and hospital staff.
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan said funds were raised thanks to the 2023 Alive Pharmacy Warehouse Ride for Isabel, a record $38,000 raised from Christmas Wrap at Cairns Central, Earlville Shopping Town and DFO Cairns, another record $100,000 at Nu Nu Restaurant Melbourne Cup 2023, and $40,000 from KenFrost Homes.
"Pregnancy loss is more common than we realise, and many of us know someone who has gone through this difficult time. By coming together as a community to contribute, we can make a truly special difference for those affected,” Mrs Hogan said.
Funds went towards a room being completely refurbished and repainted in a gentle colour palette with a lot of clinical equipment removed and replaced with purpose-specific equipment.
he birthing bed has been replaced with a clinically suitable double bed, to allow partners to stay and sleep in comfort with Mum.
A very special artwork has been commissioned which will enhance the entire unit but incorporate an additional and very specific art piece for this room.
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Acting Midwifery/Nursing Director Remya Nair said she was delighted to announce there was now a dedicated space for women who experience pregnancy loss.
“As we all know that these women and their families are going through a tough time and we wanted to give them as much comfort, along with safe care in this difficult time. Providing a safe and comfortable space is a huge thing,” Ms Nair said.
“The mural is a statement for our unit – elements represent our community, culture, nature and strong women out there. The artists have done a wonderful job and we are so grateful to have been able to work with them,” she said.
KenFrost Homes marketing coordinator Alex Loughton said the company was only too happy to help.
“Helping the Butterfly Suite come to fruition is a great benefit for the whole community. This space will provide warmth and comfort t those facing immense loss,” Mr Loughton said.
Nu Nu Restaurant co-owner Mo Rowbottom said it was really important for the team to give back to the community that has supported them for more than 20 years.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be a part of this, as we can see where all the hard work goes,” Mrs Rowbottom said.
Artist Hayley Gillespie said the animals she created for the maternity ward often have patterns hidden on them, relating to their habitats or food sources.
“They have names reflecting their breeding, nesting and traits. These animal families represent the care and responsibility involved in mother, parenting and community – the human experience of being part of the circle of life,” Ms Gillespie said.
Fellow artist Melanie Hava said she loved to paint the rainforest.
“As Mother Nature is representative of mothers, new and old – protective and nurturing the new generations of humankind. These places with its peoples and the plants and animals they support are hugely important to everything regarding custom, culture and the survival of our people,” Ms Hava said.
And fellow artist Jedess Hudson said Harmony of Beginnings captures the profound connection between nature and new life through the lens of motherhood. “Each element honours the nurturing spirit of women, reflecting their vital role in sustaining our culture and community. This collaborative art project celebrates the beauty and strength of women, intertwined with the vibrant essence of our local environments and wildlife, showcasing the harmony that nurtures new generations,” Ms Hudson said.
Photos:
Top: Rear: Pregnancy Loss Coordinator Lyn Graham, Acting Midwifery/Nursing Director Remya Nair, Foundation CEO Gina Hogan, Inspired Signs’ Chloe Curtis. Front: Nu Nu Restaurant co-owner Mo Rowbottom, ICWP Acting Director Mary McGuinness, Kenfrost Homes marketing coordinator Alex Loughton and artist Hayley Gillespie.
Middle: Cairns Hospital Midwifery department staff Pregnancy Loss Coordinator Lyn Graham, ICWP Acting Director Mary McGuinness, Foundation CEO Gina Hogan and Jo Taylor acting midwifery unit manager for Birthsuite and MGP.
Bottom: ICWP Acting Director Mary McGuinness, acting clinical midwife consultant maternity Dana Souter, Acting Midwife Manager Maternity Martine Shanks, Artist Hayley Gillespie, Foundation CEO Gina Hogan, Inspired Signs’ Chloe Curtis, Acting Midwifery/Nursing Director Remya Nair, acting midwifery unit manager for Birthsuite and MGP Jo Taylor, Pregnancy Loss Coordinator Lyn Graham, Kenfrost Homes’ Alex Loughton and Nu Nu Restaurant co-owner Mo Rowbottom.
r
