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Founded in 1856 as a place where disadvantaged women could give birth safely and receive proper medical care, the Royal Women’s Hospital is among the oldest and most distinguished women’s hospitals in the world.

We continue to lead the way in women’s and newborn healthcare – delivering specialist maternity, neonatal, gynaecology, oncology, reproductive and sexual health services to women in Melbourne, as well as those with complex needs from across Victoria and Australia.

We are also a leader and advocate in areas of women’s health that have long been overlooked or stigmatised – abortion, endometriosis, family violence, female genital mutilation, menopause, mental health disorders, sexual assault and substance use in pregnancy.

Each year we provide 250,000 episodes of care, deliver up to 7,000 babies and care for 1,500 premature and very sick babies.

As a state-wide tertiary hospital, the Women’s is a significant provider of education and helps to train the next generation of highly-skilled midwives, nurses, obstetricians, neonatologists and other specialists. Expert training also extends into communities with programs delivered to local hospitals and primary health care services across the state.

Internationally, the Women’s is recognised for its clinical expertise and excellence in research. Our 10 Research Centres explore the full spectrum of women’s and newborn health. From pioneering IVF technology leading to Australia’s first IVF baby in 1980, to advances in newborn medicine to increase survival rates for sick and premature babies – the Women’s is committed to improving the lives of this generation and the next.

For more than 160 years, the Women’s has built its significant brand and reputation as one of Australia’s most loved and trusted public hospitals by providing exceptional patient care and advocating for all women.

About the Office of Philanthropy and Community Investment

Reporting directly to the hospital Chief Executive, the Office of Philanthropy and Community Investment makes giving to the Women’s accessible, meaningful and purposeful.

Philanthropy and community investment is critical to the Women’s work in supporting vulnerable and at-risk women and families from across Victoria. Leveraging our considerable profile and reputation as a world-leading tertiary hospital for women and babies, the Women’s is working with donors from all walks of life to transform the lives of women and babies.

Every gift, whatever the amount, is hugely treasured and appreciated.

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