Babies born at Horizon’s The Moncton Hospital to be welcomed in a brand-new, innovative space, thanks to the province and donors

(MONCTON) – Today, Horizon’s The Moncton Hospital officially unveiled its new Obstetrics and Newborn Care Unit that will provide advanced, innovative care to newborns and their families in a modern, state-of-the-art setting.

This transformational project is a partnership between Horizon, the Government of New Brunswick, and the Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation.

“When we kicked off the Extraordinary Care Campaign which helped raise funds for this new unit, we knew we had an ambitious goal. As a community, we were able to surpass our goal and raise $10.1 million,” said Robert K. Irving, Campaign Chair of the Extraordinary Care Campaign. “A special thank you to all donors and volunteers who not only answered the call but truly went above and beyond. We proved once again that together we can accomplish extraordinary results! The Obstetrics and Newborn Care Unit will help the exceptional health care team at The Moncton Hospital deliver world-class care to our neighbours and community.”

The Obstetrics and Newborn Care Unit will open later this spring, with the exact date for admitting patients to be announced once confirmed.

As part of Horizon’s Women and Children’s Health Program, the new unit brings together a full spectrum of services under one roof — including Labour and Birth, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, integrated antepartum and postpartum care, and related clinics. It also features Maternal Fetal Medicine, Breastfeeding Support, and Postpartum Discharge Clinics.

“A heartfelt thank you to the Friends Foundation and everyone involved in the project,” said Margaret Melanson, Horizon President and CEO. “This modern unit enhances the experience for patients and families while providing our care teams with a space that supports excellence in compassionate care.”

“The new obstetrics and newborn care unit will strengthen the already excellent maternal and neonatal care provided at the Moncton Hospital,” said Health Minister John Dornan. “Newborns, their families and our dedicated staff will benefit from having a full spectrum of services under one roof in a modernized, comfortable and family-centred environment.”

The nearly 30,000-square-foot space will redefine how care is delivered to expectant parents and newborns by providing families, staff, and physicians with access to the latest technology, such as wireless fetal monitors, in a purpose-built space including spacious areas for families, designed to meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and patient-centred care.

The entire unit is named after Mr. Irving’s mother, Jean Elizabeth Saunders Irving. Other Friends Foundation donors being recognized with named areas include:

Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic – Medavie Foundation  
Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic Reception/Waiting Room – Bernard Cyr  
Obstetrics Arrival/Waiting Room – Wesley and Patricia Armour  
Obstetrics Nourishment Station – BMO  
NNICU Baby Friendly Room – Scotiabank  
NNICU Central Reception – Desjardins
Obstetrics Conference /Education Room – Taylor Family  
Obstetrics Family/Patient Lounge – Dan LeBlanc Family  
Obstetrics Butterfly Room – In Memory of Sarah Elizabeth Fogarty
NNICU Family Support Area – Harrison Trimble High School

“As someone who has spent more than 30 years working in the Women and Children’s Health Program, I can truly say this is a dream come true,” said Christa Wheeler-Thorne, the Clinical Executive Director for Horizon Health Network’s Women and Children’s Health Program. “I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to be part of something so transformational—from the early days of the Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation campaign, through the design and construction, to preparing to welcome our very first patients. I am confident this new unit will provide the comfort, dignity, and exceptional care that every family deserves during one of life’s most important moments.”

Each year, close to 1,200 babies are born at The Moncton Hospital; 200 of those newborns are admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and there are over 3,500 Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic visits. 

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