A much-loved former Redcliffe Hospital midwife is being remembered in a way that will continue to make a difference to newborns and their families, with a new Babyroo now in place in the hospital’s Maternity Birth Suite.
The specialised neonatal equipment was officially welcomed at Redcliffe Hospital this week by members of Jenny Stapleton’s (nee Ryan) family, alongside representatives from local law firm Crew Legal and Redcliffe Hospital.
Jenny was a much-loved midwife at Redcliffe Hospital who dedicated her career to caring for mothers and babies.
Her sister, Louise Ryan, said the Babyroo was a fitting way to honour Jenny’s legacy and her love of caring for newborns.
“I really can’t imagine a more perfect way to honour my sister’s legacy. Jenny just loved looking after mothers and babies," said Louise.
"I can picture her up in Heaven, feeling absolutely delighted that there is now a brand new Babyroo at Redcliffe Hospital dedicated in her memory."
The $52,000 Babyroo was funded through a community fundraising effort that began at Crew Legal’s 2025 Spring Gala Ball, where around $40,000 was raised towards the equipment.
Wanting to create a meaningful tribute to Jenny, Louise subsequently worked with Jenny’s husband Mark Stapleton and daughters to raise the remaining funds needed to make the donation possible.
For Redcliffe Hospital midwife Gloria O’Connor, the Babyroo represents more than new equipment – it provides a way for Jenny’s compassion and care to continue helping babies and families.
“Jenny was saddened by the thought that she could no longer personally care for babies," said Gloria.
"Through the Babyroo, we have found a special way to honour her legacy. Every baby supported by this equipment reflects Jenny’s enduring compassion, allowing her care and kindness to continue touching the lives of newborns and their families.”
The Babyroo provides specialised support for newborns who require additional care immediately following birth, giving maternity staff access to equipment to help care for babies when they need it most.
Crew Legal Managing Director Shane Crew said the donation demonstrated what could be achieved when the local business community came together to support Redcliffe Hospital.
“It is so fulfilling to see the efforts of our team and the Redcliffe business community result in the goal of the purchase of the Babyroo being realised," said Shane.
"We set an ambitious goal last year to raise the $52,000 needed to purchase the machine. The proceeds of the Spring Ball got us three-quarters of the way there, and then with the help of the Stapleton family, we reached the goal.
“To be able to visit the hospital to see the machine in the maternity suite and to know that newborn babies needing a little assistance as they transition into the world will have access to it, gives us a sense of the difference we can make through our event."
Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital Manager Sharyn Tidswell said the Babyroo was a tangible example of the difference the community could make locally.
“The Babyroo is a beautiful legacy for Jenny and a wonderful example of what we can raise together for Redcliffe Hospital," said Sharyn.
"We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who helped turn this vision into something that will now support babies and families for years to come.”
The timing is particularly significant, with Crew Legal’s 2026 Spring Gala Ball taking place on Friday, 11 September, just days after the Babyroo was officially welcomed to Redcliffe Hospital.The annual event will once again bring together the Redcliffe business and wider community to support Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital and help raise funds for projects and equipment that make a meaningful difference to patients, families and staff.
