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.