The Government of Western Australia (WA) has announced plans to expand Osborne Park Hospital (OPH), introducing a new mother and baby unit, aimed at supporting the mental health of expectant and new mothers in the northern suburbs.  

This development is part of a broader initiative to enhance women and newborn services, which will enable the hospital to handle double the current number of births. 

Once open, the new unit will offer specialised care for women facing mental health challenges from late pregnancy until their child begins walking.  

The team that will be deployed at the new unit will comprise professionals from various disciplines, such as general practice, nursing, psychiatry, and allied healthcare.  

Notably, the facility will permit babies to stay with their mothers during admission. 

This expansion is a significant component of the hospital's broader redevelopment strategy, designed to provide more options for women residing in the northern suburbs.  

The upgrades will encompass additional labour and birth suites, an expanded high-dependency unit, dedicated obstetrics theatres, enhanced support services, and improved facilities for maternity, gynaecology, and neonatology.  

A family birth centre is also included in the plan. 

Moreover, outpatient services will be extended to bolster women's health and newborn care.  

WA government highlighted that this project is currently in the ‘Request for Proposal’ phase to appoint a managing contractor. 

The selected contractor will collaborate with the state on the design and construction of the A$1.8bn ($1.2bn) Women and Babies Hospital, incorporating these enhancements to OPH. 

The undertaking is anticipated to generate over 1,400 local jobs throughout the construction phase and offer opportunities for local suppliers as well as contractors. 

WA Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said: “The expanded services at OPH, to include a new mother and baby unit and a new Family Birth Centre, will provide comprehensive healthcare services for women in the northern suburbs. 

“It will improve birth choices for women in the north and allow OPH to treat more complex maternity cases. 

"We want to ensure women get the opportunity to help shape these important services, which is why we are delivering the next phase of public consultation on this important project.”