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.
(1452)

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 ar

e 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.

Today, and every day, we stand with victim survivors of sexual violence. We believe you. You deserve safety, dignity and...
29/04/2026

Today, and every day, we stand with victim survivors of sexual violence. We believe you. You deserve safety, dignity and care.

Our CASA House and Sexual Assault Crisis Line (SACL) teams are wearing denim today to show solidarity and to remind our community that support is always available.

Denim Day began after a court case overseas suggested that what a woman wore meant she had consented to sexual assault. People around the world wore denim in protest to make one thing clear: Clothing never causes sexual violence.

Today, Denim Day is a global movement challenging victim-blaming and standing alongside survivors.

At the Women’s:
▶️ CASA House provides confidential sexual assault counselling, supporting people at their own pace.
▶️ SACL: provides crisis support, advocacy and information including during police or legal processes.

Both CASA House and SACL are free, confidential and survivor centred.

If you or someone you know needs support, our teams are here.
▶️ Learn more about CASA House: www.casahouse.com.au
▶️ Find your local CASA service in Victoria: https://peak.sasvic.org.au/servicemap .tab=0
▶️ Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1800 806 292

Pregnancy, birth and early motherhood can be intense for anyone. For women with autism and ADHD, that intensity can show...
28/04/2026

Pregnancy, birth and early motherhood can be intense for anyone. For women with autism and ADHD, that intensity can show up in ways others don’t always see.
Many neurodivergent women describe the perinatal period as a time that can bring:

▶️ more sensory overload
▶️ extra decision fatigue
▶️ changes to routines that used to work well
▶️ communication challenges in busy healthcare settings.

Jennifer Curtis is a senior occupational therapist and registered midwife at the Women’s. She helps neurodivergent mothers with practical, personalised strategies to make daily life feel more manageable. This can include:

▶️ building simple routines that feel predictable
▶️ changing the environment to reduce sensory overload
▶️ adapting tasks so women feel safe, confident and supported to care for themselves and their baby.

In a recent podcast chat, Jennifer shared neuro-affirming ways to:

▶️ reduce overwhelm
▶️ advocate for your needs
▶️ feel more supported during pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.

Listen to episode 223 of The Science of Motherhood: https://bit.ly/4mSUDlr

When you are pregnant, some choices help protect both you and your baby. Vaccinations are one of them. During pregnancy,...
23/04/2026

When you are pregnant, some choices help protect both you and your baby.

Vaccinations are one of them.

During pregnancy, recommended vaccines can help protect you now and give your baby extra protection in their first months of life.

Knowing what is recommended, when to have it, and why it matters can help you feel more confident in your decisions. Everyone’s situation is different, and it is okay to have questions.

If you are unsure or want to talk things through, speak with your midwife, GP, obstetrician or maternal and child health nurse.

To keep track of your child’s vaccinations, you can save this handy calendar and put in your own reminders: https://bit.ly/4tTobkU

You can also find reliable, up-to-date information at: www.thewomens.org.au

When a labouring patient arrived alone and unable to speak English, ISS placemaker Muhuba didn’t hesitate to help. She w...
23/04/2026

When a labouring patient arrived alone and unable to speak English, ISS placemaker Muhuba didn’t hesitate to help. She was on her way home from a cleaning shift at the Women’s when she got a call from staff who knew Muhuba spoke the same language. She turned around and came straight back.

“I just wanted to help,” she said.

Thrown a pair of scrubs and rushed into theatre, Muhuba stayed by the woman’s side for five hours – holding her hand, speaking her language and calming her fears.

Her kindness changed someone’s birth experience – and now it’s inspiring people around the world.

✨ Last year, Muhuba’s act was recognised with a state-wide award from facility services company ISS. This year, she has been named one of four international finalists.

In May, ISS will fly her to Denmark for the global awards ceremony.

We are incredibly proud of Muhuba and the compassion she brings to our hospital community.

💙✈️ Join us in cheering her on as she represents the Women’s on the international stage.

The Women’s is reaffirming our commitment to providing inclusive, equitable and respectful healthcare and employment for...
15/04/2026

The Women’s is reaffirming our commitment to providing inclusive, equitable and respectful healthcare and employment for people with disability.

We’ve outlined how we’ll continue to improve access and inclusion in our 2026 Disability Action Plan (DAP).

This work has been shaped by staff, consumers and patients of the Women’s living with disability, including consumer Chrissy Thompson.

She says: “I’ve seen real progress over the past five years. Inclusion and accessibility have become things that happen in the everyday workings of the hospital – and it is these micro changes that are often the hardest to achieve.”

Read more about the 2026 Disability Action Plan on the Women’s website: https://www.thewomens.org.au/news/partnering-with-people-with-disabilities-for-access-inclusion-and-opportunity

Brain fog is one of the most talked about menopause symptoms. Yet, there is still little clear evidence about what it is...
09/04/2026

Brain fog is one of the most talked about menopause symptoms. Yet, there is still little clear evidence about what it is, how common it is, or what helps.

New research from the University of Melbourne, Monash University and University College London highlights major gaps in what we know about problems with memory, focus and clear thinking during perimenopause and menopause.

The researchers involved say there is limited data on how long brain fog lasts or how it affects women over time.

Professor Martha Hickey from the University of Melbourne and the Royal Women’s Hospital says this uncertainty can make menopause more stressful than it needs to be.

“We don’t even have a definition of what brain fog is. One person’s experience would be different to what someone else is experiencing,” Professor Hickey said.

"It's a real gap in our understanding."

She says women need clear, consistent, and evidence-based information. They shouldn't get mixed messages, especially online.

The researchers stress that menopause isn't all negative. Many women thrive during this time, especially when they feel informed, supported, and heard by their GP.

Read the full news article here: https://thewest.com.au/news/health/facts-over-fear-data-needed-on-brain-fog-in-menopause-c-22114372

04/04/2026

Our kangaroo’s ears are standing a little taller as we turn the clocks back and step into autumn.

As the nights grow longer, our NICU team stays right where they always are, by the side of our tiniest fighters.

This long weekend, become a NICU warrior. Your donation helps keep our around‑the‑clock care going strong for the babies who need it most.

Give hope. Give support. Give today. See link in comments.

Former patients of a retired Melbourne gynaecologist can now access dedicated support and follow-up care.The doctor work...
02/04/2026

Former patients of a retired Melbourne gynaecologist can now access dedicated support and follow-up care.

The doctor worked in the private health system and is currently under investigation after an ABC Four Corners report.

The new support package was announced today at the Women’s. It is designed to help affected women move forward with clear, coordinated care.

The Commonwealth is funding Care Navigators through Victoria’s Primary Health Networks. Care Navigators will act as a central point of contact, helping women organise follow‑up care, arrange specialist reviews, and connect with local GPs and relevant support services.

In addition, the Victorian Government is funding more specialist endometriosis services at these public health services:
▶️ the Royal Women’s Hospital
▶️ Monash Health
▶️ Eastern Health,
▶️ Western Health.

At these hospitals, women will receive gynaecology reviews supported by a dedicated triage nurse. The nurse will help gather medical records, explain scans and test results, and guide the next steps.

Referrals will start in mid-April. People seeking support can contact the Women’s Health Victoria endometriosis concerns line on 03 9664 9330.

Victorian Department of Health Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Women's Health Victoria

Today marks the International Trans Day of Visibility (31 March). Today is a day for acknowledging and celebrating trans...
31/03/2026

Today marks the International Trans Day of Visibility (31 March). Today is a day for acknowledging and celebrating transgender pride.

The Women’s is lighting up our entrance in the colours of the trans flag, as a show of support for transgender, gender diverse and non-binary communities.

Every day, the Women’s is committed to creating an inclusive and safe environment for every patient, family, visitor, staff member and volunteer that walks through our doors.

You can learn more about Transgender Day of Visibility and pledge to show your support as an ally on the Transgender Victoria website. See link in comments.

Doctors at the Women’s show up with courage and compassion every day. This National Doctors Day, we spoke with three cli...
29/03/2026

Doctors at the Women’s show up with courage and compassion every day.

This National Doctors Day, we spoke with three clinicians who are united by their passion for supporting patients through some of life’s biggest ups and downs.

All three doctors describe what it’s like to go from one patient who might be welcoming new life into the world, to another who might be going through something devastating.

Scroll through to hear from:

🩷 Dr Fiona Brewster, Anaesthetist and Clinical Lead of the Women’s Department of Anaesthesia

🩷 Dr Jessica De Bortoli, the Women’s Principal Obstetric Registrar

🩷 Dr Siming Lu, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Medical Lead of the Women’s Pregnancy Day Care Centre

Thank you to all of the Women’s doctors for the dedication, compassion and curiosity you bring to your work.

No, you don’t need to become pregnant to 'cure' endo! There are still far too many misconceptions about endometriosis. T...
26/03/2026

No, you don’t need to become pregnant to 'cure' endo!

There are still far too many misconceptions about endometriosis. These can make it tougher for people to recognise symptoms, seek care, or feel understood.

Endometriosis affects around 1 in 7 women in Australia and presents in many different ways. There is no single pattern or “typical” experience. Symptoms vary, severity varies, and what helps one person may not help another.

Boosting awareness helps people spot issues sooner, ask questions earlier, and feel more confident in the health system.

This March, as it’s Endometriosis Awareness Month, take a moment to explore the facts and share them with a friend. The more accurate information we spread, the easier it is for people to find the support they need.

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

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.