By Bonny Burrows
When Chloe Gaspardis went into labour on 18 January she had no idea she was about to make history.
But little Andy Ernest, delivered by Dr Peter Yong at 10.19pm Thursday will forever hold a special place in St John of God Berwick Hospital’s history and its heart as the first baby to be born at the Kangan Drive facility.
Chloe, with a due date of 13 January, wasn’t expecting to give birth at the new hospital.
However, little Andy had other plans, and his mother didn’t go into labour until the afternoon of 18 January – just hours after the Kangan Drive hospital had opened its doors.
Chloe, who gave birth to her two-year-old son Toby at the healthcare provider’s former Gibb Street hospital, said it was “pretty special” to be a part of history.
But what was even more special, she said, was the bond Andy his big brother Toby had already formed.
“It’s pretty adorable,” Chloe said.
“Toby was staying at friends while I went into labour, and when Chris (her husband) went to pick him up he kept asking where Andy is.
Chloe said both the new and old hospitals were “amazing” for their maternal health services. However, she said, the new hospital had a level of comfort which made her stay even better.
“The staff and service has been amazing. Everyone has been working so hard (on the new hospital) and it really shows,” Chloe said. Chloe and baby Andy were discharged for home in Narre Warren on the morning of 22 January, and were farewelled by hospital staff with a special commemorative gift.
