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.
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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.

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

We join the Global Wave of Light. 🕯️ To mark International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day, our hospital entrance was lit...
17/10/2025

We join the Global Wave of Light. 🕯️

To mark International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day, our hospital entrance was lit up in blue and pink on Wednesday 15th October, to honour all the babies gone too soon.

This day and every day, we remember all the little ones we have loved and lost.

This recognition lasts well beyond one night, but we’d like to take an extra special moment to pay special attention to these babies and their families.

At the heart of this ongoing care is Nina Grillo, our Perinatal Bereavement Coordinator.

Nina, along with a team of bereavement workers, walks with families in their deepest grief. She helps them create important lasting memories, feel supported, and honour their baby's life, no matter how brief.

Acknowledging infant loss matters. Every life, every loss, deserves recognition.

Read more about how the Women’s supports families during this difficult time: https://www.thewomens.org.au/news/where-hello-and-goodbye-collide-honouring-pregnancy-loss



Red Nose Australia Stillbirth Foundation Australia

We're shining a light on the remarkable work our Allied Health teams do at the Women’s. From physiotherapy and pharmacy...
14/10/2025

We're shining a light on the remarkable work our Allied Health teams do at the Women’s.

From physiotherapy and pharmacy to language services, nutrition, sonography, and psychology – these professionals play a key role in every stage of patient care.

Whether it's supporting recovery post-surgery, guiding individuals through a new diagnosis, or connecting families to care in their preferred language, our allied health professionals bring expertise, empathy, and teamwork to their roles every day.

They may often be behind the scenes, but their impact is at the heart of all we do.

Our dedicated teams work across diverse areas with a united mission: to support the health and wellbeing of women, newborns, and families in practical, personal, and empowering ways.

Pictured here are just some of the talented allied health professionals – from interns to directors – who shape and enhance care at the Women’s every day. 💪

"I'm proud to be working at the Women’s, in Australia where we are on track to become one of the first countries to elim...
13/10/2025

"I'm proud to be working at the Women’s, in Australia where we are on track to become one of the first countries to eliminate cervical cancer."

Dr Jeffrey Tan AM has spent more than 25 years in the Oncology and Dysplasia Unit at the Women’s where he has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of women with cervical cancer.

He was one of more than 30 staff members recognised at the 2025 Staff Excellence Awards. 👏

🔗Click the link in the comments to read more about our 2025 award winners.

Sometimes, simple ideas can lead to powerful change. That’s the spirit behind Ideas Tank, the Women’s annual grants init...
10/10/2025

Sometimes, simple ideas can lead to powerful change. That’s the spirit behind Ideas Tank, the Women’s annual grants initiative.

Inspired by Shark Tank, staff pitch ideas to improve patient and staff experiences. This year, 14 new proposals have been funded.

Some of the projects aim to support cultural safety and inclusion, including a First Nations artwork at the Sacred Space entrance and translations for text message appointment reminders. Funding was also awarded for pizza nights with the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) non-birthing parents’ group, and keepsakes that offer comfort and connection to families after losing a baby.

Congratulations to all staff who received funding! We can’t wait to see how your ideas progress 👏

Read more about the Ideas Tank winners on the Women’s website. Link in the comments.

Address

Cnr Flemington Road & Grattan St Parkville
Parkville, VIC
3052

Telephone

+61383452000

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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.