Gove District Hospital maternity guide

Gove District Hospital is the public hospital in Nhulunbuy, on Matthew Flinders Way, and is run by NT Health. Its maternity ward has 10 beds and two birthing rooms, and GPs with advanced obstetric skills work on the ward. In 2022, 153 mothers from the Northern Territory gave birth at the hospital, according to NT Health's Mothers and Babies 2022 report. If you think you are in labour, or you are worried about yourself or your baby, phone the maternity ward on (08) 8987 0219. If you cannot get through, call the hospital on (08) 8987 0211. The hospital gives emergency care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In an emergency, call 000.

Gove District Hospital maternity at a glance

• Hospital type: Public
• Run by: NT Health
• In labour: Phone the maternity ward on (08) 8987 0219
• Births: 153 Territory mothers in 2022 (NT Health report)
• Maternity ward: 10 beds and 2 birthing rooms, one with a bath
• Doctors: GPs with advanced obstetric skills
• Pregnancy care options: Midwife care, GP obstetric clinic, shared care with Miwatj
• Higher-risk care: Referral to the Royal Darwin Hospital obstetric clinic
• Typical stay: Depends on your needs, with early discharge supported

Where is Gove District Hospital maternity, and how do I contact it?

• Address: Gove District Hospital, Matthew Flinders Way, Nhulunbuy NT 0880
• Maternity ward and midwives clinic: (08) 8987 0219, for appointments with the midwives and doctors
• Hospital main number: (08) 8987 0211
• Emergency department: open 24 hours, 7 days. It is free and you do not need an appointment.
• In labour or worried: phone the maternity ward on (08) 8987 0219. If no one answers, call the hospital on (08) 8987 0211. In an emergency, call 000.

How do I book in to have my baby at Gove District Hospital?

Start with your GP. The hospital needs a referral letter before your first antenatal visit.

1. See your GP. Ask for a referral letter to the Gove antenatal clinic. The letter should include your early pregnancy information, such as dating scans and blood tests.
2. Book your first appointment. Phone (08) 8987 0219 to book with the midwives and doctors. If you need an interpreter, ask the receptionist when you book.
3. Bring your papers. Take your Medicare card (or passport if you do not have one), health care card, appointment letter, copies of any test results from this pregnancy, your doctor's contact details and any private health insurance details.
4. Go to your first visit. You will be shown around the maternity ward and talk about your pregnancy care options. Your first visit with the midwife can take up to an hour.
5. Ask about classes. Childbirth education classes run when there is a need, usually every two months.

What pregnancy care options are there in Gove?

• Midwifery care. Your midwife does your routine check-ups and talks with you about your care during and after pregnancy. They will ask about your medical, surgical and social history.
• Obstetrician clinic. GPs with advanced obstetric skills work on the maternity ward. If you need a specialist obstetric doctor, you may be referred to the obstetric clinic at Royal Darwin Hospital.
• Community shared pregnancy care. Aboriginal women in the Gove region can choose to share their pregnancy care between the Miwatj Health Clinic and the hospital.

The NT Government explains these options on its pregnancy and birthing services in Nhulunbuy page.

What happens at the Gove antenatal clinic?

The antenatal clinic gives you ongoing care and support through your pregnancy, with midwives and doctors. You will get a pregnancy health record. Bring it to all your appointments. To make or change an appointment, phone (08) 8987 0219.

What is the Gove District Hospital maternity ward like?

The maternity ward has 10 inpatient beds and two birthing rooms. One birthing room has a bath, which you can use for pain relief or for a water birth. If you think labour has started, or you are worried about yourself or your baby, phone the ward on (08) 8987 0219. If no one answers, call the hospital on (08) 8987 0211.

When might I be referred to Darwin?

You may need to be referred to Darwin if your pregnancy is higher risk. NT Health gives two examples: a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more, or labour that starts early, before 36 weeks of pregnancy.

I live in a remote community. How do I give birth in Gove?

If you live in a remote community, you will have an ultrasound between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, at Gove District Hospital or in your home community if it is available there. At about 38 weeks, you travel to Gove for the antenatal clinic. You stay in self-care accommodation and give birth on the hospital's maternity ward. Your community care centre will arrange your travel and accommodation before you leave home. After the birth, the hospital arranges your travel and accommodation back, and the community nurse and midwife keep caring for you.

How long will I stay in hospital after the birth?

How long you stay on the maternity ward depends on your needs. If you and your baby are healthy, early discharge is supported. After you go home, a midwife will organise home visits with you.

What support is there after I take my baby home?

• Midwife home visits: a midwife arranges visits after you leave the ward.
• Six-week check: have a check-up about six weeks after the birth with your GP or at your nearest community care centre.
• Community care centres: offer child health and assessment clinics, postnatal home visits, breastfeeding support and postnatal depression support.
• Parent support in Nhulunbuy: a local playgroup, Australian Breastfeeding Association coffee mornings, the toy library and library story time. Contact the Gove community health clinic to find out more.
• Pregnancy, Birth and Baby: 1800 882 436, 24-hour support
• Australian Breastfeeding Association: 1800 686 268, 7 days a week
• healthdirect: 1800 022 222, free 24 hour health advice from registered nurses

From your first night at home, follow the Red Nose safe sleep recommendations every time your baby sleeps.

Other birthing hospitals in the Northern Territory

Nhulunbuy is a long way from the next birthing hospital. The other Territory hospitals where you can give birth are listed below, closest by road first.

• Katherine Hospital Public
• Royal Darwin Hospital Public
• Alice Springs Hospital Public

See all Northern Territory birthing hospitals.

Gove District Hospital maternity FAQs

Hospital details checked against NT Health on 23 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.