The Royal Women's Hospital

The Royal Women's Hospital The Royal Women's Hospital is Australia's leading specialist hospital dedicated to improving the health of women of all ages and newborn babies.
(1456)

Each year, we care for more than 200,000 women from 165 countries, who speak 60 different languages and follow 42 separate religious faiths. The Women’s is committed to a holistic philosophy of health and provides comprehensive services ranging from health promotion to clinical expertise and leadership in maternity services, gynaecology, cancer services and specialist care of newborn babies. We are also a major teaching hospital and a medical research leader of world renown. For over 150 years, the Women’s has led the advocacy and advancement of women’s health care. Established in 1856 as 'The Melbourne Lying-in Hospital and Infirmary for Diseases of Women and Children', our hospital began as a place where ‘under-privileged women’ could give birth to their babies and receive medical attention and nursing. Today, our innovative social model of care recognises factors such as housing, income and stress affect women’s ability to care
for themselves and their families. The Women’s is a unique health service that has been shaped over time by women’s voices. We are an advocate for improvements in women’s health and well-being. In developing our services, we understand the importance of integrating the diverse, ever-changing needs, priorities, perspectives and experiences of our women.

As November is recognised as NICU Awareness Month, we’re taking the opportunity to honour the strength of babies, famili...
15/11/2025

As November is recognised as NICU Awareness Month, we’re taking the opportunity to honour the strength of babies, families and staff who
journey through our newborn intensive care.
We’re so thankful to Fatima, mum to Nawaf, for sharing her family’s story.

When Fatima gave birth to her son at 24 weeks and 2 days, he weighed just 704 grams. It was the start of a journey no parent expects to take —
one filled with monitors, medical teams and deep uncertainty. But it was also a journey marked by extraordinary care, resilience and love.
Nawaf spent 113 days in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Women’s. Fatima and her husband, Fawaz, were deeply involved in his
care during this time. This is an important part of our model at the Women’s, family is at the centre.
Fatima spent long hours at the hospital every day, while Fawaz was there whenever he wasn’t working. Together, they surrounded Nawaf with love, strength and unwavering support. Fatima learned to read her baby’s cues and built a strong bond with the NICU team.

Milestones came slowly, then all at once — his first cuddle, his first bottle, his first nap on his mum’s chest. “The second time I held him, we slept
together for two hours. I’ll never forget how peaceful he was,” Fatima said. “It was euphoric.”

Nawaf was discharged just three days after his due date — a remarkable achievement for a micro-premmie. Today, Nawaf is a thriving eight-month-
old.

Fatima’s advice to other NICU parents:
💜Spend as much time with your baby as your heart can take.
💜Don’t be afraid to ask questions or take initiative.
💜Try not to fixate on the numbers — learn to read your baby
instead.
💜Trust that your baby is stronger than you think.

Thank you, Fatima and Fawaz, for your courage, honesty and generosity. Nawaf’s story is so special, and we’re honoured to share it.

Thanks to our generous donors and sponsors, 31 staff members at the Women’s received scholarships. These scholarships su...
14/11/2025

Thanks to our generous donors and sponsors, 31 staff members at the Women’s received scholarships. These scholarships support professional development in trauma-informed care, leadership, and data analytics.

At our recent Staff Scholarship celebration, Shelly Park, the Women’s Board Chair, said, “Professional development in healthcare is not a luxury – it’s a necessity.”

This year, we proudly introduced the Dr Di Palmer Staff Scholarship. This honours the legacy of the late Dr Di Palmer, a respected obstetrician and gynaecologist. The first recipients are the Abortion and Contraception Social Work team. They will receive trauma-sensitive training from the Blue Knot Foundation.

The celebration had more than 90 sponsors, donors and recipients. Ms Park said, “To our scholarship recipients, thank you for showing us what curiosity and dedication look like. Together, you create a picture of a workforce that is passionate, committed and courageous.”

A big thanks to our donors and sponsors who make this event possible! Special shoutouts to Amber Australia, Cushman & Wakefield, and ISS Facility Services!

To see the full list of scholarships and recipients, visit the Women’s website. 🔗Link in comments.

Thousands of women and girls have spoken – and now we must act.The Women’s welcomes the release of the Victorian Inquiry...
10/11/2025

Thousands of women and girls have spoken – and now we must act.

The Women’s welcomes the release of the Victorian Inquiry into Women’s Pain and its focus on the lived experiences shared by more than 13,000 contributors.

Led by Professor Sue Matthews, CEO of the Women’s, and patient advocate, Fi Macrae, the Inquiry highlights widespread barriers to care and calls for urgent reform.

“Focusing on women’s health is not about special treatment,” said Prof Matthews. “It is about addressing what has long been neglected.”

Read our full response: http://thewomens.org.au/pain-inquiry


Victorian Department of Health

When you think of women's health, radiography might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it's actually a vital...
09/11/2025

When you think of women's health, radiography might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it's actually a vital tool in many of our services at the Women's!

Radiography goes beyond checking for broken bones or wisdom teeth; it's at the heart of diagnosing and treating pregnancy-related issues, breast cancer, and gynaecological conditions. From MRI scans for foetal and placental health to contrast mammography, biopsies, and ultrasound-guided procedures, our expert radiographers provide essential support for women's health with precision and care.

On Saturday 8 November, on World Radiography Day, we celebrated these unsung heroes. This special day marks 130 years since Wilhelm Roentgen's groundbreaking discovery of x-rays, and the field has evolved tremendously since then. Modern radiography is at the forefront of medical science, continuously advancing to improve patient care.

Jason Geddes, our Allied Health Manager at the Pauline Gandel Women’s Imaging Centre, perfectly sums it up: “Working here offers stunning challenges and immense satisfaction. It's not just about technical skills; it's about connecting with patients and easing their anxieties.”

Join us in thanking our incredible radiographers and sonographers for their invaluable contributions to healthcare. Your work makes a profound difference in women's lives every day.

Early detection can change lives.New research led by Professor Bruce Mann — in partnership with the Royal Melbourne Hosp...
31/10/2025

Early detection can change lives.

New research led by Professor Bruce Mann — in partnership with the Royal Melbourne Hospital and BreastScreen Victoria — shows that regular breast screening improves survival rates and reduces the need for intensive treatment.

It’s a timely reminder to make screening part of your routine.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, take a moment to check in:

💗 If you’re aged 50 to 74, book your free breast screen through BreastScreen Victoria.
💗 No matter your age, get to know your breasts and speak to your GP if something doesn’t feel right.

Read the full article: link in comments.

Last night, families and staff gathered at the Women’s for our Annual Memorial Service to honour babies who have died.Th...
29/10/2025

Last night, families and staff gathered at the Women’s for our Annual Memorial Service to honour babies who have died.

Through candles, music and flowers, we remembered each child with love and tenderness.

Together, we shared messages of connection and remembrance:
🕯️ Our babies were wanted, real, loved, grieved and remembered.
🤝 To each other: You are not alone. With support, we survive and grow.
💗 To our beloved children: We remember you. We miss you. Most of all, we love you.

It was a moving tribute to lives lost too soon, and to the enduring love of their families.

If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to Red Nose Australia and Stillbirth Foundation Australia, who provide care and resources for bereaved families.

Rob Saunders is on a mission to honour his daughter Billie and support other families facing pregnancy after loss. In 20...
28/10/2025

Rob Saunders is on a mission to honour his daughter Billie and support other families facing pregnancy after loss.

In 2019, Rob and his wife Dale lost their daughter Billie, who was born sleeping.

Six years later, they returned to the Women’s and welcomed their second daughter, Addison, with the support of pregnancy after loss care.

This November (29&30), Rob will attempt to break a Guinness World Record by travelling more than 270 kilometres on a kick scooter in 24 hours.

Through his Scooting for Hope campaign, Rob hopes to raise $100,000 to support care at the Women’s for families navigating pregnancy after loss.

Rob is using his platform to speak up about grief and healing, and to raise awareness of the emotional journey that follows loss. His challenge is both a test of endurance and a tribute to all families who have walked a similar path.

“Every lap is a tribute to Billie,” Rob said. “If sharing our story helps one family feel less alone, it’s worth every kilometre.”

Read Rob’s story: www.thewomens.org.au/ScootingForHope
Support his fundraiser: https://dandelion-fund.raiselysite.com

Occupational therapy is essential for supporting women’s and babies' health. It helps people of all ages engage in daily...
27/10/2025

Occupational therapy is essential for supporting women’s and babies' health. It helps people of all ages engage in daily activities to increase their independence. The approach considers physical, mental and social challenges. Its goal is to enhance wellbeing and quality of life.

Jennifer Curtis, Senior Occupational Therapist at the Women’s, explains, “We work hard to help people engage in activities, roles and routines that add meaning to their lives. This is crucial for good health and wellbeing.”

This principle is central to occupational therapy, especially in busy hospitals.

On World Occupational Therapy Day, we celebrate the dedication of all occupational therapists. This year, the Women’s team shines, highlighting the theme: “Occupational Therapy in Action.”

Clear communication saves lives. At the Women’s we believe everybody deserves to understand their care. That’s why we’re...
23/10/2025

Clear communication saves lives. At the Women’s we believe everybody deserves to understand their care. That’s why we’re committed to using plain language—not medical jargon—when speaking with patients, families, and communities.

Instead of saying “analgesic,” we say pain medicine.

Instead of “hypertension,” we say high blood pressure.

Instead of “intravenous,” we say through a vein.

Because understanding your health shouldn’t require a medical degree.

On , we reaffirm our promise to make healthcare accessible, equitable, and easy to understand for everyone.

Let’s keep it simple. Let’s keep it human. 💙

Did you know that women experience cardiac arrest differently to men? Typically, their symptoms include shortness of bre...
22/10/2025

Did you know that women experience cardiac arrest differently to men?

Typically, their symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, abdominal pain, and pressure or tightness in the chest, rather than sharp pain.

It's crucial to recognise these less obvious symptoms to provide timely help and support.

This month is ‘Shocktober’ – a time dedicated to raising awareness and training for CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) use.

We’re supporting Ambulance Victoria's plea for more of us to learn how to use an AED, locate the nearest one, and sign up as GoodSAM responders.

To learn CPR and AED usage, visit www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/call-pushshock , www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/register-my-aed and www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/goodsam for more information.

Across the Parkville precinct, allied health professionals are one of our most diverse workforces – bringing multidiscip...
20/10/2025

Across the Parkville precinct, allied health professionals are one of our most diverse workforces – bringing multidisciplinary skills and expertise to patient-centred care.

Sonia Brockington has done exactly that in establishing the Allied Health Clinical Education team at the Women’s in 2024.

The team supports the allied health workforce through education and learning, supervision, managing student programs, and research and simulation.

“Building our relationships with departments at the Women's and the Parkville precinct are vital to what we do,” said Sonia.

Sonia was awarded for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at the inaugural Parkville Precinct Allied Health Awards.

The awards recognise excellence across all areas of practice, research and collaboration across the precinct.

“The award motivates me to build and grow our education program in a way that is innovative and uniquely relevant for the Women’s workforce.”

👏Congratulations to Sonia and all the winners and nominees in the precinct!

Read more about the awards on the Peter Mac website. Link in comments.

After surviving breast cancer and learning she carried the BRCA1 gene, Sarah chose to have surgery to lower her risk of ...
20/10/2025

After surviving breast cancer and learning she carried the BRCA1 gene, Sarah chose to have surgery to lower her risk of ovarian cancer; including the removal of her tubes and ovaries.

This procedure automatically leads to what we call surgical menopause.

With the right care, including menopausal hormone therapy, she managed her symptoms. Since then, she has become an advocate, sharing her story to support other women.

Sarah participated in the WHAM study – What Happens After Menopause? This international trial, led by the Women’s, is following women in Australia and the US after risk-reducing surgery. It aims to understand how surgical menopause affects sexual, physical and emotional health.

Her experience reflects key WHAM study findings:
▶️ Menopausal hormone therapy can ease symptoms – but doesn’t stop them completely.
▶️ Surgical menopause has lasting effects on sexual, physical and emotional health.
▶️ Specialist care and long-term support make all the difference.

Learn more about Sarah’s story: www.thewomens.org.au/WHAM-Sarah

Address

Cnr Flemington Road & Grattan St Parkville
Parkville, VIC
3052

Telephone

+61383452000

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Royal Women's Hospital posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to The Royal Women's Hospital:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category

Our Story

Each year, we care for more than 80,000 Victorian women who come from 165 countries, speak 60 different languages and follow 42 separate religious faiths. The Women’s is committed to a holistic philosophy of health and provides comprehensive services ranging from health promotion to clinical expertise and leadership in maternity services, gynaecology, cancer services and specialist care of newborn babies. We are also a major teaching hospital and a medical research leader of world renown. For over 150 years, the Women’s has led the advocacy and advancement of women’s health care. Established in 1856 as 'The Melbourne Lying-in Hospital and Infirmary for Diseases of Women and Children', our hospital began as a place where ‘under-privileged women’ could give birth to their babies and receive medical attention and nursing. Today, our innovative social model of care recognises factors such as housing, income and stress affect women’s ability to care for themselves and their families. The Women’s is a unique health service that has been shaped over time by women’s voices. We are an advocate for improvements in women’s health and well-being. In developing our services, we understand the importance of integrating the diverse, ever-changing needs, priorities, perspectives and experiences of our women.