Mowbray Maternity Hospital renovations

Mowbray Maternity Hospital has begun a major two‑year renovation project to create a safer, more comfortable and efficient environment for mothers, babies and staff. While this work is underway, we want to reassure you that your care remains our highest priority. To keep all mothers and babies safe during construction, some services will temporarily change.

We appreciate your understanding and support during this important upgrade. 

Where to go for careduring renovations

To ensure that maternity services always remain available and safe:

• Women with low‑risk pregnancies are encouraged to visit 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 cannot be accommodated during this period, to ensure the safety and smooth functioning of services, so please access your local baby clinic or midwife obstetric unit based at your local 24hr day hospital.
• Your local MOUs are fully equipped and staffed to provide safe, high‑quality care for low‑risk pregnancies and deliveries.

If you live in the areas listed below, please book and attend your local BANC or MOU for maternity care:

• Mowbray
• Rosebank
• Rondebosch
• Newlands
• Claremont

If any complications arise during pregnancy, labour or after birth, your healthcare team will ensure that you are quickly and safely referred to Mowbray Maternity Hospital for specialist care.

Who will still be referred to Mowbray Maternity Hospital?

Mowbray Maternity Hospital will continue to provide care for patients referred from the following Midwife Obstetric Units:

• Gugulethu
• Hanover Park
• Retreat
• Mitchells Plain
• Mitchells Plain District Hospital
• False Bay Midwife Obstetric Unit

Only patients who are formally referred from BANC sites, MOUs and District Hospitals will be accepted. 

Temporary Relocation of the 50‑Bed Postnatal Ward

To allow construction to proceed safely, our 50‑bed postnatal ward will be temporarily moved (“decanted”).

• Mothers who deliver via caesarean section may be transferred together 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 to ensure the best care for each patient.
• Mothers and infants will be transported safely by Provincial Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
• After discharge, you will be linked to your nearest MOU for follow‑up visits and further postnatal support.

We understand that transfers can feel stressful, and we are committed to keeping families informed and supported every step of the way.

Discharge after normal vaginal births

To reduce congestion during renovations:

• Low‑risk mothers who have a normal vaginal birth and meet all discharge criteria will be discharged after 6 hours.
• For ongoing care, please use your local clinic, and return to Mowbray Maternity Hospital only if you are referred.

Our teams will ensure that every mother is medically ready for discharge and fully informed about next steps.

Access guidelines for 2 Military Hospital:

2 Military Hospital is located within a restricted South African National Defence Force (SANDF) base. Entry is regulated under the Defence Act 44 of 2002. 

Entry during visiting hours is only permitted with authorisation from the Officer Commanding, and for the purpose of the granting of permission, a guard authorised by the Officer Commanding may request the following upon entry:

• Full name, address, and relevant personal details
• Valid South African Identity document
• Declaration of any prohibited items
• Disclosure and inspection of vehicle, case, briefcase, bag, handbag, cover, envelope, package or container in your possession and the contents thereof.
• Electronic search for dangerous objects
• Temporary surrender of prohibited items for safekeeping
• Physical search if deemed necessary

Visiting hours at 2 Military Hospital:

• Spousal bonding visits: 11:00 -12:00
• General visiting: 15:00 -16:00
• NB! No night-time visitation
• Maximum of 3 visitors per patient
• Children: Only the patient’s own children (siblings) may visit, no age restriction
• Public toilets and designated smoking areas are available for visitors

For patients transferred to 2 Military Hospital and their family members to adhere to:

• Valid South African identification documents are required from patients and visitors
• No taxis or e-hailing vehicles allowed on site
• No Uber Eats or food deliveries permitted
• All patients, visitors, and staff must please adhere to the rules and guidelines listed above.

Further communication: 

Any updates or changes to the information above will be officially communicated by the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness.

If you have concerns, or require further information or clarity, we encourage you to speak to our midwives at your local antenatal clinic. This will ensure that accurate and up-to-date information is received.