-Kaohsiung Medical University Gangshan Hospital-

In the early hours of August 27, 2024, the first baby was born at Kaohsiung Medical University Gang-shan Hospital, his strong cry breaking the quiet night—a symbolic milestone for maternal and child healthcare in northern Kaohsiung. Since then, the hospital has not only provided round-the-clock pediatric care, but also built a comprehensive and community-oriented system for maternal, infant, and child care through innovative facilities and warm, compassionate services.

In pediatric care, KMU Gang-shan Hospital is the first in Taiwan to install motion-sensing interactive game machines in pediatric clinics. By integrating engaging games with medical knowledge, the games help ease children’s anxiety and resistance toward medical environments. Game stages teach topics such as healthy eating ("Nutrition Melody"), the importance of medical supplies ("Medicine Courier"), and how the immune system combats viruses ("Antibody Attack"). Designed with the hospital’s mascot as the main character, the games are friendly and recognizable, and the touchless design ensures both educational value and infection control.

For newborns and infants, the hospital continues the KMU healthcare system’s strong reputation by establishing a dedicated nursery for babies born at the hospital within one month. A separate neonatal intermediate care unit serves full-term infants up to four months old and preterm infants up to five months corrected age, who require special observation or treatment. The nursery was created to offer a warm, comforting environment—welcoming each baby as a future pillar of society.

Childbirth marks a joyful yet transformative moment for families. With this in mind, the hospital adopts a family empowerment model, aiming to provide a friendly and supportive birth environment. This includes soothing music for infants, private breastfeeding rooms, encouragement of breastfeeding and flexible rooming-in arrangements. A dedicated official Line platform helps continue care and guidance after mothers return home.

The medical team also prioritizes early development and screening. Newborn hearing tests are conducted within 24 to 36 hours of birth, alongside physical examinations of hip joints by specialized physicians to detect early health risks. To stimulate infant sensory development, black-and-white visual cards are placed above cribs, while music and light play are used to support developmental care. The hospital also promotes early reading between parents and children by placing books in breastfeeding and patient rooms, with nurses guiding families to enhance bonding through shared reading.

In terms of safety, strict access control is enforced in all wards, and LED water temperature sensors are installed in baby bathing areas for added protection. Additionally, the hospital collaborates with professional photographers to offer newborn photo sessions, capturing each “Gangshan baby’s” precious first moments.

KMU Gang-shan Hospital practices maternal and child health through interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration. It not only bridges a long-standing healthcare gap in northern Kaohsiung, but also earns the trust of local families with warmth and innovation. Looking ahead, the hospital will continue community outreach efforts, health education, and everyday caregiving support—becoming a strong guardian of children’s health in the region.

▲Exterior view of the nursery.

▲Medical staff in the neonatal care unit.

▲Baby portrait (courtesy of Mommy Zhu Ying-Ling).