Elevating Mercy Health’s research culture, one patient at a time
At Mercy Health, one such person is Von Roodenburg, Clinical Trial Coordinator and passionate advocate for women’s health research. Von’s role is pivotal in recruiting patients for national and international studies that aim to improve outcomes for mothers and babies. Among these are the C*STEROID trial, which investigates the effectiveness of corticosteroid…
Continuity of midwifery care improving outcomes for First Nations families
The study found the model of care significantly reduces rates of premature birth, low birthweight and neonatal intensive care admissions, while increasing the likelihood of babies being born healthy and women initiating breastfeeding. At Mercy Hospital for Women, this care is provided through the Nangnak Baban Murrup Midwifery Group Practice, established in 2018 to provide…
MHW teams reduce waste with metal recycling initiative
Nursing teams in the Emergency Department and Birth Suite at Mercy Hospital for Women (MHW) are making a big difference by reducing waste and helping the environment. Over the past two years, the teams have recycled over two tonnes (more than 2,000 kilograms) of single-use metal instruments. Instead of going to landfill, these materials are…
CMV: A preventable virus. A lifetime of impact
Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the most common infections passed from mother to baby during pregnancy… and one of the least known. In Australia, around 1 in 300 babies are born with congenital CMV each year, and hundreds will experience lifelong complications, including hearing loss, vision impairment, developmental delay and cerebral palsy. Yet what makes this even…
Breathing life into neonatal care
Kristin’s research shines a spotlight on an overlooked factor in respiratory care: gas flow. Unlike oxygen levels and pressure, which have been extensively studied, the speed at which gases are delivered to a baby’s lungs has received little attention. “If you open up the lung really quickly, it doesn’t have a chance to adapt, so…
30 years of care: Helen’s volunteer legacy at Mercy Place Rice Village
From the day the aged care community opened its doors, Helen has volunteered her time helping build the warm and connected environment residents still experience today. Now aged 80 and living in an independent living unit at Rice Village herself, Helen still volunteers every Thursday, leading a choir for residents living with dementia and Alzheimer’s…
“It’s become a second home for me”: National Volunteer Week 2026
Following months of being at his side at Mercy Place Lynbrook, Bev promised him she would return to volunteer alongside the staff and resident, who became like family. This National Volunteer Week, Mercy Health is celebrating volunteers like Bev, whose compassion and connection help brighten the lives of residents across its services. “You never really…
Mercy Health’s Kirsten Mitchener recognised with statewide palliative care award
With nominees drawn from across Victoria, this prestigious annual award highlights those who go above and beyond to make a meaningful difference for patients and families. Kirsten is the first staff member from Mercy Palliative Care to receive this honour since the award’s inception, marking a significant achievement for both Kirsten and the service. Kirsten…
A lasting legacy: honouring two Mercy Health midwives
Their decades of service have left a lasting impression on the women and families we care for, as well as the many colleagues they have supported and inspired. At Mercy Health, our commitment to safe, connected, effective and personal care is made real through our people. Monica and Giselda have brought these values to life…
Mercy Health is proud to launch the Caring for People and Planet Strategy: Our Path Forward 2026-2028
This publication builds on the foundations outlined in our first-ever sustainability strategy, Caring for People and Planet: Mercy Health’s Strategic Response to Laudato Si’ 2020-2025, and reaffirms a focus on environmental sustainability, social justice and ecological stewardship. Healthcare is a significant contributor to climate change, accounting for 4-5 per cent of global emissions and 5.4 per cent of Australia’s…