Mowbray Maternity Hospital's two-year renovation: What you need to know

Mowbray Maternity Hospital has begun a major two-year renovation project aimed at creating a safer, more comfortable and efficient environment for mothers, babies and staff.

Provincial health spokesperson Jihaan Opperman said that while construction is underway, patient safety and quality care remain the top priority.

“To keep all mothers and babies safe during construction, some services will temporarily change,” she said.

During the renovation period, women with low-risk pregnancies are encouraged to attend their nearest Basic Antenatal Clinic (BANC) or Midwife Obstetric Unit (MOU) at a public healthcare facility for routine maternity care.

Walk-in or self-referred patients will not be accommodated at Mowbray during this time, in order to ensure safety and the smooth functioning of services.

Residents in areas including Mowbray, Rosebank, Rondebosch, Newlands, and Claremont are advised to book and attend maternity care at their local BANC or MOU. These facilities are fully equipped and staffed to provide safe, high-quality care for low-risk pregnancies and deliveries.

Ms Opperman said that should any complications arise during pregnancy, labour, or after birth, patients will be appropriately referred to Mowbray Maternity Hospital for specialist care.

Mowbray Maternity will continue to accept only formally referred patients from BANC sites, MOUs, and district hospitals. Referrals will continue from facilities in areas such as Gugulethu, Hanover Park, Retreat, Mitchells Plain, Mitchells Plain District Hospital, and the False Bay Midwife Obstetric Unit.

As part of the renovation process, the hospital’s 50-bed postnatal ward will be temporarily relocated. Mothers who deliver via caesarean section may be transferred with their babies to 2 Military Hospital (Wynberg Military Base), Mitchells Plain Hospital, or False Bay Hospital for postnatal recovery.

Transfers will be based on clinical and eligibility criteria and carried out safely by Provincial Emergency Medical Services (EMS). After discharge, mothers will be linked to their nearest MOU for follow-up care and postnatal support.

To reduce congestion during renovations, low-risk mothers who have a normal vaginal birth and meet discharge criteria will be discharged after six hours. Ongoing care will be provided at local clinics, with return to Mowbray only by referral.

Patients transferred to 2 Military Hospital are advised that it is located on a restricted South African National Defence Force (SANDF) base. Valid South African identification is required, and security checks apply. Visiting hours are limited, with no night-time visitation, and taxis, e-hailing services and food deliveries are not permitted on site.

Ms Opperman said any updates will be communicated by the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, and encouraged patients with concerns to speak to midwives at their local antenatal clinics to receive accurate, up-to-date information.