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New RSV immunisation options 03 April 2025 For the first time, RSV immunisation is now available to Western Australians both during pregnancy, and for eligible babies and children born from 1 October 2023. RSV is a highly infectious respiratory virus that infects over half of all babies in their first year of life. Prior to 2024, around 1,000 WA babies were admitted to hospital with RSV each year. In 2024, the RSV infant immunisation program prevented over 500 RSV hospitalisations. A single dose of the maternal vaccine, Abrysvo, or the infant immunisation, Beyfortus, provides crucial protection to babies in their first months of life when they are most vulnerable. Parents are urged to either get immunised during pregnancy (between 28 and 36 weeks), or get their baby immunised if born from 1 October 2024. Some children born from 1 October 2023 may also be eligible if they are at higher risk of getting sick – speak to your lo... -
Meet the specialised team preventing preterm birth for women of Western Australia 05 February 2025 The Preterm Birth Prevention Clinic established at King Edward Memorial Hospital has played a foundational role in Australia’s world-leading national preterm birth prevention program. The clinic is staffed by a specialised, multi-disciplinary team, including specialist obstetricians, midwives and a clinical psychologist – all working together to reduce the rate of preterm birth. In 2024, the clinic saw more than 240 women identified as being at increased risk of early birth. Servicing remote locations such as Port Headland, Karratha, Esperance and Christmas Islands via telehealth, the team is able to engage pregnant women as early as 7 weeks gestation to begin their care plans. Women in Western Australia are eligible for referral to the Preterm Birth Prevention Clinic if they have a history of preterm birth or are at increased risk due to their medical history. Referrals are ... -
King Edward Memorial Hospital leads the way in preeclampsia prevention 14 November 2024 King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) is rolling out early pre-eclampsia screening to reduce the risk of maternal illness and preterm birth from this severe complication of pregnancy. Obstetricians at KEMH can now offer a new pregnancy screening test in the early weeks of pregnancy which predicts pre-eclampsia or high blood pressure in pregnancy, a condition that causes serious complications and premature birth. KEMH obstetrician Jan Dickinson, a Professor of Maternal Fetal Medicine at The University of WA said screening for pre-eclampsia is an important addition to the medical treatment used to reduce preterm birth and improve outcomes for pregnant women. Pregnant women will be offered pre-eclampsia screening from 11 to 14 weeks of gestation using a combination of blood pressure assessment, specific laboratory blood tests and an ultrasound assessment of blood flow in the pregnant woman... -
Maternity Care Steering Committee consumer recruitment 01 November 2024 We are currently recruiting consumer representatives to join a committee that aims to optimise the birth experience for women, infants, and their families at King Edward Memorial Hospital and Osborne Park Hospital. We are seeking people with knowledge of maternity health that are eager to work in partnership with clinicians and consumers on the birth experience. The committee aims to enhance the provision of maternity care and its impact on women, infants and families. Applications close 4pm on Monday 2 December 2024. To view the expression of interest (PDF). -
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 11 October 2024 With one in seven women developing breast cancer in their lifetime, it is important women aged 50 to 74 years have a regular screening mammogram. As the risk of breast cancer increases with age, we encourage women to have a mammogram every two years. BreastScreen WA provides free screening mammograms to women 40 years and over without any breast symptoms. Screening can detect breast cancer at an early stage before it can be felt or noticed. Early detection methods continue to increase outcomes and chances of survival. Take time in October to find out what you need to know about your breast health and share this important information with your family, friends and colleagues. If you would like to help us spread awareness for this important service, visit the BreastScreen WA website for resources and support (external site). Book your free screening this October. To make an appointment with...
Last Updated:
20/12/2021