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.

Having a baby is not just about clinical outcomes, it’s also about the experience. Research shows that care from the sam...
12/01/2026

Having a baby is not just about clinical outcomes, it’s also about the experience. Research shows that care from the same midwife throughout pregnancy, birth, and after birth makes a real difference.

The COSMOS trial, led at the Women’s, found that women in caseload midwifery were less likely to need a caesarean, an episiotomy, or pain relief during labour. Their babies were less likely to need special care. Women also reported feeling more satisfied and supported.

This model of care also saved costs for the health system, proving that continuity of care benefits everyone.

Learn more in the Women’s Research Report 2024: www.thewomens.org.au/research-report-2024

As the temperature rises this summer, it's important to make sure our babies stay cool and comfortable. Especially becau...
07/01/2026

As the temperature rises this summer, it's important to make sure our babies stay cool and comfortable. Especially because they may not show early signs and symptoms of heat-related distress.

Here are our top tips to help beat the heat.

☀️Dress right: Keep clothing light and breathable. Think cotton singlets and loose dresses to allow air flow.

☀️Stay hydrated: If you're breastfeeding, they may need extra feeds. Make sure you drink plenty of water too.

☀️Cool environment: Keep the room cool with air conditioning or a fan. If you don't have one, try covering your baby’s body with cool damp cloths.

☀️Limit outdoor time: Keep your baby indoors during peak sun times. If you need to go out, stick to the shade and dress them in a hat.

☀️Cool baths: Give your baby a gentle lukewarm bath to help lower their body temperature.

☀️Check for signs of overheating: Watch out for signs like red skin, floppiness, or rapid breathing and cool them down immediately if you notice these.

In an emergency, always call 000.

For more info, visit: www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/at-home-with-your-baby/heatwave-precautions-for-babies-young-children

Surgery can bring relief to women with endometriosis. But for many, the disease comes back. Until now, little was known ...
05/01/2026

Surgery can bring relief to women with endometriosis. But for many, the disease comes back. Until now, little was known about who is most at risk.

A study of nearly 800 women at the Women’s found that recurrence was more likely when endometriosis involved bowel lesions, adhesions, or adenomyosis. Identifying these risk factors could help guide closer follow-up and more tailored care for women after surgery.

The aim is to reduce uncertainty and make treatment more responsive to each woman’s journey with endometriosis.

Read more in the Women’s Research Report 2024: www.thewomens.org.au/research-report-2024

Partner with us – your voice matters in shaping better healthcare. 💜Are you passionate about inclusion? Do you have live...
26/12/2025

Partner with us – your voice matters in shaping better healthcare. 💜

Are you passionate about inclusion? Do you have lived experience that can help shape better healthcare?

Consumers play a vital role in bringing patient voices and perspectives to the table. We’re looking for consumer partners to join two of our Board sub-committees at the Women’s.

By partnering with us, you help us make better decisions and improve patient experiences.

✅ Share your lived experience
✅ Help shape decisions that improve care
✅ Develop new skills and get paid for your time

Apply now to make a real impact in healthcare at the Women’s - link in the comments.

Christmas cheer has found its way into our NICU🎄✨Santa made a special visit to the Women’s Newborn Intensive Care Unit, ...
24/12/2025

Christmas cheer has found its way into our NICU🎄✨

Santa made a special visit to the Women’s Newborn Intensive Care Unit, bringing a touch of the festive spirit to our tiniest patients and the families caring for them. With a team of cheerful elf helpers, Santa shared small gifts, smiles and moments of joy during what can be a very challenging time.

A heartfelt thank you to Santa and his helpers for helping bring a little light and magic to around 50 families who will be in our NICU over Christmas this year.

A special thanks also to the dedicated staff who continue to provide expert care, comfort and reassurance throughout the holiday period. 🎅💫

With the holiday season in full swing, we want to thank our staff at the Women’s for their ongoing support and care for ...
23/12/2025

With the holiday season in full swing, we want to thank our staff at the Women’s for their ongoing support and care for women, patients and newborns. While many celebrate this time of year with family and friends, we know that for some, the holidays also mean being there for patients and colleagues.

Our Spiritual Care Coordinator, Libby Sherring, reminds us: “For those working through the holidays, this time can be an opportunity to find solidarity and strengthen connection with others also doing the same. If you are coming into work, make room for some joy and rest too, just for you.”

We also acknowledge that this season can be challenging as not everyone joins in the celebrations. Perhaps, being apart from loved ones or facing certain expectations can increase feelings of grief or loneliness.

“For those of us grieving or missing someone at this special time of year, making time to remember them in small ways can be very important,” said Libby.

Please know you’re not alone – your dedication is deeply valued and support is always here.

Lifeline: 13 11 14
13YARN: 13 92 76
Griefline: 1300 845 745

“Whether you’re resting, playing, or working, we hope you stay safe and can find some time to connect with people, places and activities that lift your spirits.”

Thank you all for everything you do to keep care going over the festive season and every day of the year.

This Christmas, you can help change lives for families in the NICU.When Laura went into labour at just 26 weeks, her twi...
23/12/2025

This Christmas, you can help change lives for families in the NICU.

When Laura went into labour at just 26 weeks, her twins Grace and Romeo were smaller than a phone. For 131 days, the NICU became their world. Their first days were filled with wires, alarms, and uncertainty.

Your gift today will help us provide life-saving care and support to families like Laura, Godwin, Grace and Romeo.

Laura is grateful every day and says, "Our twins are alive because of the Women’s”.

If you’re able to give, please consider donating to the Women’s this Christmas by visiting this link: https://bit.ly/3Y5jrLo

The festive season can bring an increased risk of family violence.Last year in Victoria, there were 438 recorded inciden...
23/12/2025

The festive season can bring an increased risk of family violence.

Last year in Victoria, there were 438 recorded incidents of family violence on Christmas Day. This does not reflect the many incidents that go unreported.

The Women’s stands with victim survivors and is committed to ensuring our hospital is a safe place during the holidays and every day.

If you are experiencing family violence, or if you are worried about someone you know, please reach out to one of the resources below for support. You are not alone, and help is available.

Emergencies call 000

Safe Steps crisis phone line: 1800 015 188 and web chat 24/7 www.safesteps.org.au

The Orange Door support services including for the wellbeing of children and young people: www.orangedoor.vic.gov.au

Information, counselling and support 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732

Sexual Assault Crisis Line after hours: 1800 806 292

If you are worried that you are using family violence and want support to change your behaviour, help is available. You will be treated with respect and without judgement. Seeking support early can make a real difference for you and for the people around you. You can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au/mrs.

Reaching out is a step towards safety and change.

At 35 weeks pregnant with twins, Brianna became the Women’s first virtual hospital patient. She met in person with her l...
22/12/2025

At 35 weeks pregnant with twins, Brianna became the Women’s first virtual hospital patient.

She met in person with her local team at Grampians Health as well as specialists at the Women’s here in Melbourne using a secure virtual hospital platform. This meant the Women’s team could watch her having an ultrasound of her babies live, seeing exactly what the regional clinicians were seeing in real time.

That real-time view let both teams consult and decide about the best care for her and her babies together. Because of the findings, the clinicians surprised Brianna by advising that they deliver her babies right away instead of waiting for the planned caesarean the following week. This collaborative approach meant not only were the twins given the best possible care, it also meant Brianna could stay close to home and have her babies where she planned.

“Although the unexpected outcome surprised me, I’m incredibly grateful for this project. It saved me hours of travel and stress, and I felt supported by both teams every step of the way,” Brianna said.

This milestone is part of the Victorian-first Virtual Hospital pilot, jointly delivered by the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Austin Health and funded by the Victorian Government. The pilot connects regional hospitals with Melbourne-based specialists. This cuts down travel time and makes care easier to access.

Grampians Health (Ballarat) is now on board. Bendigo will be joining early next year. For pregnant women needing advanced maternal-fetal care, they can now have joint consults with their local specialists in regional Victoria and Melbourne based experts in complex pregnancy care.

The consult was led by A/Prof Clare Whitehead and Dr Sarah Malone, Maternal-Fetal Medicine experts. Carly Struck, Project Manager – Clinical Operations at Royal Melbourne Hospital, supported them, while Dr Natasha Daureen Frawley, Clinical Director of Women’s and Children’s Services at Grampians Health, and Tonia Mitchell, Nurse Unit Manager - Maternity Outpatients, joined virtually.

Learn more about the project here: www.thewomens.org.au/virtualhospital

The Royal Melbourne Hospital Grampians Health Ballarat Austin Health Victorian Department of Health

20/12/2025

Brace yourself for a serious dose of cuteness!

We’ve put together a video celebrating some of the beautiful babies born at the Women’s this year.

Our wards have been alive with new beginnings. Among them were NICU warriors like Rory, Aaliyah, Patrick and Marley, tiny fighters who turned their first challenges into incredible triumphs.

We also welcomed Harvey, a long-awaited miracle after two years of infertility treatment through our Public Fertility Care program.

And we honour Aria. She spent 83 precious days with us before passing away, and her family’s love and courage touched everyone here. Her life mattered, her presence was felt, and her memory will always stay with us.

These little ones represent thousands of babies who brought hope and joy to the Women’s in 2025.

Thanks to the generosity of Dovecote Design Co the Women’s is aglow with festive spirit. They donated a magnificent six-...
19/12/2025

Thanks to the generosity of Dovecote Design Co the Women’s is aglow with festive spirit. They donated a magnificent six-metre Christmas tree, adorned in our signature colours🌲

A special thanks to Saskia, Managing Director and her dedicated team for their meticulous design and installation. This donation is especially meaningful as Saskia was born at the Women’s.

The tree has become a joyful spot for patients, visitors and staff. It captures smiles, selfies and holiday cheer all around the precinct.

Be sure to visit the Ground Floor entrance and take a snap before it’s gone!

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.