The Royal Women's Hospital

Meet Franklin, a four-legged friend to patients across the Women’s.    Franklin is a beautiful 5-year-old King Charles Cavalier. He visits patients and staff once a fortnight providing pet therapy. Franklin and his owner, Meg have trained with the Lort Smith Animal Hospital to volunteer their services to the Women’s.    "I love coming into the hospital with Franklin to brighten people’s day,” says Meg.    “People forget all their problems for a brief period whilst they interact with us. He’s very gentle and loves all the attention, but also enjoys cleaning up all the crumbs!"    You can see Meg and Franklin visiting all areas of the hospital, so be sure to say hello and give him a pat!

Mental health can impact women at all stages of life, from pregnancy to motherhood, or coming to terms with a cancer diagnosis. We’re #hiring a Mental Health Liaison Clinician at the Women’s to work in a dynamic, multifaceted role. In this senior role, you will provide consultation, implement care plans, triage referrals and educate teams across the hospital. Bring your passion for mental health and apply today: https://lnkd.in/gDMDsQ_Y View all available roles and apply on our careers website: https://lnkd.in/gWUb6i3k #WorkAtTheWomens #MentalHealth #careers #healthcare

The Women’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) cares for thousands of babies each year, and this care extends to supporting their families. We’re thrilled to congratulate our NICU nursing and midwifery team for being nominated for the Family Appreciation Award 2024 from the Australian College of Neonatal Nurses. Nurse, Elka, shared: “we are setting these babies and families up on a life-long journey. Being nominated for this award makes all the long days and hard times worth it.” Award nominations are received directly from parents who look to our nurses and midwives for guidance and support. “The Women’s is extremely blessed to have such incredible nursing staff who make parents feel at ease during what can be a very stressful and nervous time,” said Natalie, mum of Jett who was born at the Women’s at 32 weeks’ gestation. This recognition comes six months after the Women’s introduced the Family Integrated Care (FICare) model. Since introducing FICare, the Women's NICU families are encouraged to be actively involved in caring for their baby from the beginning of their stay. Read more about Family Integrated Care at the Women’s on our website: https://lnkd.in/gKbWjs58

These incredible doctors are working to change the odds of ovarian cancer. Associate Professor Orla McNally leads a team of gynaecological-oncologists at the Women’s. They're committed to giving women more chances to be involved in research and clinical trials. "We still have a long way to go, because nearly half the women diagnosed today will not survive five years," A/Prof McNally says. "We also have to see if we can get better at prevention." About 20% of ovarian cancers involve hereditary factors (passed down in families). "In families where there has been cancer, we can identify those who carry a genetic mutation that may put them at risk," she says. This Ovarian Cancer Month, A/Prof McNally encourages everyone to learn more about ovarian cancer symptoms and risk. "I would like to see increased awareness amongst women around strategies for prevention. Such as the oral contraceptive pill, which significantly reduces your risk of ovarian cancer." Find more about #OvarianCancer from Ovarian Cancer Australia and on our website https://lnkd.in/g5FDm-Xv 📸 Pictured: Dr Rosemary McBain, Dr Antonia (Toni) Jones, Dr Niveditha Rajadevan, Dr Deborah Neesham, and A/Prof Orla McNally who are the Women’s consultants in gynaecological cancer.

Are you a social worker passionate about driving systemic change? Do you want to work with hospitals responding to family violence? We’re #hiring a Project Officer to lead the SAFE project across Victoria. You will support health services to complete the System Audit Tool (SAFE Tool) and evaluate how they’re implementing changes to respond to family violence. Make a difference and apply now: https://lnkd.in/gxCcwQ65 View all available roles and apply on our careers website: https://lnkd.in/gWUb6i3k #WorkAtTheWomens #SocialWork #careers #healthcare

Today, we recognise the 17th anniversary of one of the most significant acts of truth-telling in Australian history. The National Apology to the Stolen Generations. At the Women’s, we acknowledge our role in the past policies that caused harm to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their children, husbands, partners, cousins, aunties, and uncles. Between 1910 and 1970, under government policies of the time, babies were taken from their mothers in our hospital. In 2008, our hospital made a formal apology. We acknowledged the grief, loss, and trauma this caused. We also recognised the importance of truth-telling as part of reconciliation. Our apology followed the National Apology in 2008. It recognised the deep suffering and lasting impacts of colonisation and the intergenerational trauma that continues to affect First Nations people. Reconciliation is more than words - it is action. We remain committed to creating a culturally safe and welcoming space. Where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, families, and staff feel supported, respected, and empowered. Through truth-telling, healing, and meaningful change, we continue working towards a future of understanding and justice. The Women's apology can be found on our website: https://lnkd.in/g6RDcu4y

The Women’s is thrilled to welcome our new Chief Medical Officer, Dr Nicola Yuen. Nicola is an obstetrician-gynaecologist and a highly experienced leader, boasting a 25-year-career in women’s and children’s health. But Nicola is no stranger to the Women’s. She worked in various leadership roles here from 2006 to 2016, including Director of the Women’s Emergency Care. Nicola said returning to the Women’s has been a career-long aspiration: “It was always my dream to come back into a leadership role at the Women’s. I have carried the values of the Women’s throughout my whole career. With a culture of true respect, what you can achieve is almost limitless.” Nicola is passionate about providing high-quality care across a woman’s entire lifespan, championing innovative research and models of care, as well as supporting the Women’s medical staff from their first days on the job to their last. “My advice to someone starting their medical career is to find your people. A support network will enable you to be brave in a safe space.”

The dial is slowly shifting when it comes to representation of women in science. In recognition of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, our annual Meet a Scientist panel aims to show high school students the incredible impact they can make through a career in science and healthcare. Three of our amazing female researchers took the opportunity to promote participation in science for women and girls, sharing their career journeys with hundreds of students across the state. The key takeaways for future scientists? 🚪 Keep your options open ❌Don’t be afraid of failure ✨Embrace the ever-evolving career pathways in healthcare Read more on our website: https://lnkd.in/eGZti5w9 #WomenInSTEM

As an organisation that advocates and cares for women and girls through all stages of life, the Women’s warmly welcomes the Australian Government plans to invest $573.3 million over five years to improve women's healthcare. 👏 👏 Our Chief Executive, Professor Sue Matthews, is a member of the National Women’s Health Advisory Committee and is particularly pleased to hear of the investment in sexual and reproductive health. "I am thrilled that the government has listened to the voices of women and healthcare experts. Women deserve control over their health and a system that supports them at every stage of life,” said Prof. Matthews. “At all stages of life, women’s health topics are often ignored. This funding is a game-changer. We can’t wait to see it improve healthcare for women across the lifespan.” 📌 So, what’s changing? 🔹 New contraceptive pills and menopausal hormone therapies will be added to the PBS. 🔹 More endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics 🔹 Cheaper long-term contraception through bigger Medicare rebates for IUDs and implants 🔹 New Medicare rebate for GP menopause health assessments. 🔹 Training for health professionals, national awareness campaigns, and Australia’s first clinical guidelines for managing (peri)menopause. 🔹 Trials through pharmacist services for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and supply of hormonal contraceptives for concession card holders. This five-year investment was shaped by consultation with women, healthcare experts, advocacy groups, and the National Women’s Health Advisory Council. The Women’s would like to congratulate all those involved in the development of this extraordinary package and looks forward to seeing all women and girls gain access to high quality, affordable healthcare. #WomensHealthMatters

A little over a year ago, we launched our homebirth program. So far, we have welcomed 22 babies into the world who were born in the comfort of their own homes. For first-time mum Hana, #homebirth was always her dream. “When my midwife casually mentioned the program, I was instantly excited. I knew in my heart that this was what I wanted,” Hana said. With the guidance of her midwives and careful planning, Hana gave birth to her baby boy, Otis, at home. “It was the best day of my life. I’m so grateful for the care I received and for being part of this incredible program.” This publicly funded program provides a safe and supportive homebirth experience for women with low-risk pregnancies, giving them the option to birth in a familiar and relaxed environment. Midwife Jessica Wain, who has been part of the program since its launch, says the experience is just as rewarding for the midwives. “Getting to know the families from midway through pregnancy, being there for the birth, and then visiting them at home afterward – it’s an amazing journey.” With 11 accredited midwives and more in training, the program is growing. Learn more about the Women’s homebirth program and read Hana’s full story here: https://lnkd.in/gdtCkRWf #Midwifery #BirthChoices #BornAtTheWomens