Gold Coast University Hospital maternity guide

Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) is a public tertiary teaching hospital in Southport, run by Gold Coast Health. It has a Birth Suite, a Birth Centre and a Newborn Care Unit with intensive care. If you are 20 weeks pregnant or more and you think you are in labour, your waters break or you are worried, go to the Maternity Assessment Centre in B Block, Level 2. You do not need to phone first. For pregnancy appointments, call the Pregnancy Care Centres on (07) 5687 1526. The hospital switchboard is 1300 744 284.

Gold Coast University Hospital maternity at a glance

• Hospital type: Public tertiary teaching hospital
• Run by: Gold Coast Health
• In labour: Maternity Assessment Centre, B Block, Level 2 (from 20 weeks)
• Pregnancy care options: Midwife-led care, MGP, GP shared care, obstetrician-led care, private midwife
• Antenatal clinic: Pregnancy Care Centres, (07) 5687 1526
• Birth Suite: 14 birthing rooms with birthing pools, plus a Birth Centre
• Nursery: Newborn Care Unit (NICU and Special Care Nursery), third floor
• Typical stay: Early discharge home after an uncomplicated birth

Where is Gold Coast University Hospital maternity, and how do I contact it?

• Address: Gold Coast University Hospital, 1 Hospital Boulevard, Southport QLD 4215
• Maternity Assessment Centre: B Block, Level 2. Walk in, like the emergency department.
• Pregnancy Care Centres (antenatal clinic): (07) 5687 1526. To cancel or change a visit, call between 7.30am and 3.30pm.
• Hospital switchboard: 1300 744 284 or (07) 5687 0000
• In labour: from 20 weeks, go to the Maternity Assessment Centre.
• Parking: a multi-storey car park with undercover parking is open 24/7.

How do I book in for my pregnancy at Gold Coast University Hospital?

Gold Coast Health provides public health services to people who live within its boundaries. You usually start with a referral from your GP.

1. See your GP. Your GP confirms the pregnancy and sends a referral to Gold Coast Health's antenatal and maternity service.
2. Get your first appointment. You receive an SMS reminder for each appointment, so keep your phone number and address up to date with the hospital.
3. Meet your midwife. Your first visit is with a midwife at the hospital or a community centre. The midwife asks about your health history and talks with you about your care options.
4. Agree on your care. Your midwife recommends the type of care that best suits you, and your later visits follow that plan.

What pregnancy care options does Gold Coast University Hospital offer?

• Midwifery-led care. Care from midwives, for women with a low-risk pregnancy.
• Midwifery Group Practice (MGP). A free service where a named midwife cares for you through pregnancy and after the birth, and is on call for your labour. It is based in the Birth Centre and suits women with a healthy pregnancy who plan an active birth and are happy to go home 4 to 6 hours after the birth if all is well.
• GP shared care. For low-risk pregnancies. Your GP gives most of your care, and you see the hospital team for a booking visit at about 16 to 20 weeks and midwife checks at about 36 and 40 weeks. Gold Coast Health lists GPs who have completed its GP Maternity Alignment Program.
• Obstetrician-led care. If you have complications, or are at risk of them, an obstetrician leads your care.
• Private midwife. A private arrangement between you and an eligible privately practising midwife.
• Waijungbah Jarjums. Care through pregnancy, birth and early childhood for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, and women having an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander baby. It is based in Nerang, and no referral is needed. Call (07) 5503 8301, 8am to 4pm.

Read about each type of care on the Queensland Government maternity care options page.

Where is the Gold Coast University Hospital antenatal clinic?

Gold Coast Health runs antenatal clinics at Gold Coast University Hospital and at the Tugun Satellite Health Centre, and community midwifery clinics across the Gold Coast. Your first visit may be at the hospital or at a community centre. Call the Pregnancy Care Centres on (07) 5687 1526 to check where your appointment is.

What is the GCUH Maternity Assessment Centre?

The Maternity Assessment Centre (MAC) gives urgent checks and care to women who are 20 weeks pregnant or more. It is in B Block, Level 2, and works like an emergency department, so you can come straight in. Go to the MAC if your waters break, you have vaginal bleeding, your baby is moving less than normal, you have regular contractions, or you are worried about yourself or your baby. If you are less than 20 weeks pregnant, contact the Early Pregnancy Assessment and Management Service or go to the emergency department.

What are the GCUH Birth Suite and Birth Centre like?

The Birth Suite has 14 family-centred birthing rooms with birthing pools, so you can use warm water in labour or have a water birth. The Birth Centre is where MGP midwives are based, and women in MGP give birth in either the Birth Centre or a birthing room. Water immersion and water birth are offered to eligible women.

See inside: watch Gold Coast Health's Maternity Patient Journey video (video by Gold Coast Health, 2021).

Does Gold Coast University Hospital have a NICU?

Yes. The Newborn Care Unit includes a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a Special Care Nursery, on the third floor of the hospital. It cares for babies born from as early as 23 to 24 weeks, and babies with serious or complex illness, including some who need surgery. Some special conditions mean mothers and babies need to transfer to Brisbane.

How long will I stay in hospital after giving birth at GCUH?

Gold Coast Health says its maternity facilities allow early discharge for women and babies who have an uncomplicated birth. If you are in MGP, you agree to go home 4 to 6 hours after the birth if you and your baby are well. Visiting hours across the hospital are generally 10am to 8pm, but they can differ between wards, so check with the maternity ward.

What support is there after I take my baby home?

• Midwifery at home: a home visiting team supports you with feeding and early parenting after you leave hospital.
• Breastfeeding help: a lactation consultant and a breastfeeding clinic. Your midwife can arrange this.
• Child and Family Health Service: free checks, drop-in clinics for babies up to 12 months and parenting support. Call (07) 5687 9183 (option 1).

For sleep, follow the Red Nose safe sleep recommendations from your first night at home.

Other maternity hospitals near the Gold Coast

• Pindara Private Hospital Private
• Mater Mothers' Private Gold Coast (formerly Gold Coast Private Hospital) Private
• John Flynn Private Hospital Private
• Logan Hospital Public
• Mater Mothers' Hospital Public

See all Queensland birthing hospitals.

Gold Coast University Hospital maternity FAQs

Hospital details checked against Gold Coast Health on 19 October 2026. Services and contact details can change, so confirm with the hospital before you go. This page is general information and is not medical advice.