The Royal Women's Hospital

10/03/2026

Whenever you put your baby down to sleep, giving them a safe sleep space is one of the simplest ways to protect their wellbeing.

At the Women’s, we know that families care for newborns in many different ways.

We also recognise that personal preference and cultural practices sometimes involve keeping baby close at night. If you practice co-sleeping, our team can help you explore safer options.

Safe sleep is about supporting your family with evidence‑based guidance that works for you.

What safe sleep looks like:
✔️ Always place your baby on their back to sleep
✔️ Use a firm, well‑fitting mattress in a cot that meets Australian Standards
✔️ Keep your baby’s face and head uncovered, with no soft toys, pillows or puffy bedding in the cot
✔️ Give your baby a smoke‑free environment before and after birth
✔️ Your baby should sleeps in their own cot or sleep surface, in your room, for the first 12 months
✔️ Dress babies for sleep according to the room temperature, avoiding hats and excessive layers.

Need guidance that respects your culture and parenting style? Find more information and guidelines on our website. See link below.

10/03/2026

Women often face poorer health outcomes in many areas of medicine. These outcomes are often driven by delays in diagnosis and differences in how their symptoms are recognised and treated.

But progress is possible, and we have started working on fixing this.

Our new partnership with the Royal Melbourne Hospital uses shared data and research to improve how care is delivered. We are looking at conditions where the gaps between men and women are the biggest. The first areas are cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease and respiratory health. In these areas, women’s symptoms, experiences and outcomes often differ from men’s, which can lead to missed or delayed diagnosis.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting some of the incredible women who make up our community.

We’re very pleased to share that RMH has announced a new partnership with the The Royal Women's Hospital , aimed at closing gaps in diagnosis, treatment and health outcomes between men and women.

Historically, many diagnostic pathways and treatments have taken a one-size-fits-all approach, without fully accounting for biological s*x and gender differences. This new gender informed clinical care initiative will use research and data to improve how care is delivered.

“Women who present to hospital with a severe type of heart attack are more likely to be initially misdiagnosed,” said the RMH Director of Cardiology, Professor Andrew Taylor. “This partnership is about education, data and analysis, so we can ensure our care truly is for everyone.”

Read more about the partnership here: https://f.mtr.cool/ansktvbnxz

04/03/2026

Women’s Health on the Rise – why now matters more than ever. This was the focus of the Women’s 2026 International Women’s Day breakfast, where more than 300 guests gathered to hear from leaders shaping the future of women’s health in Victoria.

The event brought together voices from community health, disability advocacy, clinical care and government. The panel, led by Dr Preeya Alexander from ABC’s Health Report, explored how evidence, investment and sector collaboration are driving the next phase of reform.

Key insights from the event:
▶️ Prof Sue Matthews, CEO of the Women’s: “This is our moment to take a leap forward, to be bold and take action.”
▶️ Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas: “It’s a remarkable time for women’s health,” while noting there is still “so much work to do.”
▶️ Eliza Hull OAM, musician and disability advocate: “I faced a lot of discrimination… people not even believing that I should be a parent.”
▶️ Karinda Taylor, CEO, First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing: “Accessibility isn’t just about being available or even free. It’s about being culturally safe.”
▶️ A/Prof Paddy Moore AM, Abortion and Contraception Service at the Women’s: “We weren’t able to offer that level of choice before… this is transformative.”

Speakers agreed that progress is building, but it will only continue with a strong focus on equity, access and listening to the communities most affected.

Dr Preeya Alexander closed the event by encouraging guests to “maintain momentum” as we work to Balance the Scales, this year’s global IWD theme.

Thank you to La Trobe University for supporting this important event.

Learn more about the event and discussions here: www.thewomens.org.au/IWD2026

04/03/2026

Australia is making progress in the elimination of cervical cancer, thanks to the national HPV vaccination program.

A recent study showed that in 2021, there were zero new cases of cervical cancer in people under 25 – an amazing achievement!

But experts are warning us not to lose focus.

For some groups, vaccination rates are dropping, especially among Indigenous girls and young people in remote areas. Uptake for girls under 15 has fallen to 81.1% and continues to decline putting our progress at risk.

The 2025 Cervical Cancer Elimination Progress Report tells a mixed story:

▶️ Overall cervical cancer rates are now down to 6.3 cases per 100,000 women

▶️ But falling vaccination rates could slow or even reverse this progress.

Professor Suzanne Garland is a clinical microbiologist and global leader in HPV research. She says that the reduction in cervical cancer rate is exciting, but the message is clear:

▶️ Vaccination and screening must go hand in hand.

▶️ Australia now offers HPV DNA tests and self‑collection, a game changer for screening access.

▶️ Equity matters: Indigenous women and those in remote communities still face higher cervical cancer rates.

Her message is simple: “We have the tools to eliminate cervical cancer but only if we stay vigilant. HPV vaccines are safe, effective, and crucial to protecting our communities.”

This International HPV Awareness Day, we celebrate what vaccination and screening have made possible. But it’s an important reminder that we still have work to do. Let’s make cervical cancer a rare disease… and eventually, history.

26/02/2026

Little Max turns one this Sunday. It is a huge milestone for a little boy who spent his first 120 days in the Women’s newborn intensive care unit (NICU), fighting for his life. Max was born too early at 25 weeks and had to face many health challenges.

His parents Harriet and Marcus now want to give back to the doctors, nurses and specialists who cared for Max and helped him grow stronger.

“We were supported every step of the way, and the amazing team helped us celebrate all of Maxy’s NICU milestones,” Harriet and Marcus say.

Throughout February, they are walking and running 120 km to honour the 120 days Max spent in our hospital.

You can support their fundraiser by donating, signing up for Max’s 120 Challenge or sharing the page with others.

Show your support here: https://maxs-120-challenge.raiselysite.com

26/02/2026

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? This is your chance to trek Tasmania’s breathtaking Bay of Fires and help raise vital funds for the Women’s.

We’ve teamed up with Inspired Adventures to bring you a journey you’ll never forget. Join with friends, colleagues, family… or fly solo and meet amazing people along the way.

No need to be a trekking pro. Just bring a good level of fitness.
Every step you take helps support the Women’s, and you’ll be rallying your own community too.

Sharing your journey on your socials, asking your networks to chip in, and watching the donations climb becomes part of the adventure. It’s challenging, inspiring, and deeply rewarding.

Your participation fee covers expert guides, accommodation, and meals.

Early bird registrations end Feb 28, 2026
👉 Register now:
https://inspiredadventures.com.au/event/theroyalwomens-bayoffires-2026/

24/02/2026

No one should face ovarian cancer alone.
At the Women’s, we’re committed to providing expert care, heartfelt support, and hope to women and families every step of the way.
This Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, join us in raising awareness and empowering our community with knowledge and compassion. 💙

18/02/2026

Penelope was one of the first babies born at the Women’s in the new Lunar Year!

She was born on 17 February on the first day of the Year of the Horse.

Babies born in the Year of the Horse are said to be energetic, independent, charismatic and adventurous.

Parents Miranda and Sam already think Penelope might be a fierce young lady.

“We wish for good luck and good health for her,” they said.

Happy Lunar New Year to all our community!

17/02/2026

This week marks the start of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month.

During this period of self-reflection, charity and spiritual growth, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. They abstain from food and drink, including water. Some people, including pregnant, lactating and menstruating women, are exempt.

At the Women’s, we respect and care for patients from all cultural backgrounds. Please let us know if you are observing Ramadan fasts, and we will care for you accordingly.

If staff, patients, family members or visitors wish to pray while in our hospital, the Prayer Room and Sacred Space are open between 5.45am and 8.45pm each day. These are located on the Ground Floor of the Women’s.

13/02/2026

This Valentine’s Day, we’re excited to launch NICU Warriors – a passionate community of staff, families, carers and donors dedicated to supporting our tiniest patients.

Today, we are introducing Kate and Tom as our Champions. Kate is Harley’s mother, who spent 5 months in the NICU. Tom ran 50 marathons to raise funds for the NICU in honour of his niece, Sylvie. Together they embody the strength and heart of our community.

Kate and Tom say they’re honoured to stand alongside families who know just how much the NICU means. From kangaroo cuddle recliners to critical emergency equipment, NICU Warriors are already making a powerful difference – are you ready to join them?

For the love of babies.
For the love of families.
For the love of the Women’s.

This Valentine’s Day, show your love for the Women’s. 💞

Visit the NICU Warriors page to learn more - link in comments.

NICU Warriors is more than a cause, it’s a community.

12/02/2026

Today, we mark the 18th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations. This is one of the most significant acts of truth‑telling in Australia’s history.

From 1910 to 1970, government policies led to babies being taken from their mothers, families, and communities at the Women’s. They are known as the Stolen Generations. We acknowledge the deep harm this caused and continues to cause Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

In 2008, following the National Apology, our hospital made a formal apology. We acknowledged the grief, loss, and trauma experienced by those affected. We recognise the lasting impacts of colonisation and intergenerational trauma.

The Women's continues its journey of reflection, healing, and change. We are committed to truth‑telling, reconciliation, and building a stronger future with First Peoples.

🖤💛❤️

12/02/2026

So proud to have supported Hollie on her Public Fertility Care journey, working alongside Bendigo Health to give her the care she needed. We are thrilled to see her story lead to such a joyful outcome.