Sunshine Hospital (Joan Kirner Women's and Children's) maternity guide

Sunshine Hospital maternity is based at the Joan Kirner Women's and Children's building (JKWC) in St Albans, in Melbourne's west, and is run by Western Health. In 2022, 6,483 babies were born at Sunshine Hospital, according to Safer Care Victoria's performance indicators report. If you think labour has started, call the Maternity Assessment Centre (MAC) on (03) 9055 2300. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you can get phone advice or be assessed in person.

Sunshine Hospital maternity at a glance

• Hospital type: Public, in the Joan Kirner Women's and Children's building
• Run by: Western Health
• In labour: Call the Maternity Assessment Centre on (03) 9055 2300, 24 hours
• Pregnancy care options: Midwifery care, shared care, Midwifery Group Practice, homebirth, specialist clinics
• Antenatal clinic: Women's Clinics at Joan Kirner Women's and Children's
• Birth suite: Level 3, with water birth for eligible women
• Nursery: Newborn Services with 30 intensive, high dependency and special care cots
• Stay after birth: Depends on how you and your baby are

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

• Address: Joan Kirner Women's and Children's, Sunshine Hospital, 176 Furlong Road, St Albans VIC 3021
• Maternity Assessment Centre: (03) 9055 2300, 24 hours, Level 3
• Bookings and appointments: (03) 8345 1727 (option 1 to book a birth, option 2 to change an appointment or ask a question, option 3 if you think you are in labour)
• Sunshine Hospital main number: (03) 8345 1333
• Interpreter services: (03) 8345 7148
• In labour: phone the MAC first. Birthing is on Level 3: turn left as you leave the lift and go to reception. For a life-threatening emergency, call 000.
• Parking: 24-hour parking is available, and the entry is on Furlong Road.

How do I get referred to or book in at Sunshine Hospital?

Public care at Sunshine Hospital starts with a referral to the Women's Clinic. You can ask your GP or register yourself.

1. Ask for a referral. The easiest way is for your GP to fax a referral to the Women's Clinic at Sunshine Hospital.
2. Or register yourself. Download and fill in the Maternity Registration Form from the Western Health website. You can return it by fax, in person or by mail to Women's Clinic, Sunshine Hospital, 176 Furlong Road, St Albans VIC 3021.
3. Wait for your letter. Once your referral is registered, you receive a pregnancy booking appointment letter.
4. Go to your booking visit. A midwife takes your health, pregnancy and birth history and talks through your care options. Bring any test results from your GP.
5. Keep your pregnancy record safe. Western Health uses the Victorian Maternity Record, called the Orange Book. Bring it to every appointment and when you come to give birth.

What pregnancy care options does Sunshine Hospital offer?

• Midwifery care. Midwives look after you through pregnancy if your pregnancy is uncomplicated. Some appointments are also offered at Melton Health.
• Shared maternity care. Most visits are with your GP, who must be accredited. You come to Western Health for the birth.
• Midwifery Group Practice (MGP). A small team of midwives cares for you in pregnancy, labour, birth and early parenting. You may be able to go home 4 to 6 hours after birth, and a midwife visits you at home for up to two weeks. You may need to join a waiting list.
• Homebirth. A publicly funded option for an uncomplicated pregnancy if you live within 30 minutes' travel of the hospital.
• Koori Maternity Service and Galinjera Maternity Program. Culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families.
• Specialist clinics. For example for a multiple pregnancy, diabetes, high blood pressure or a previous complicated pregnancy. The Maternal Fetal Medicine clinic cares for the most complex pregnancies.

For more on choosing between options, see the Better Health Channel page on pregnancy and birth care options.

Where is the Sunshine Hospital antenatal clinic?

Antenatal visits are at the Women's Clinics in the Joan Kirner Women's and Children's building, with midwife-led clinics and specialist obstetric clinics. Specialist clinics include medical, diabetes and endocrine care and genetic counselling. Your booking visit is usually at around 14 to 16 weeks, then you have appointments every few weeks. Check your appointment letter for the clinic and floor.

What is the Sunshine Hospital birth suite like?

Birthing is on Level 3, the same level as the Maternity Assessment Centre. You may be able to use water for pain relief or give birth in water if you have an uncomplicated pregnancy, you are between 37 and 42 weeks and you are in established labour. Speak to a midwife during your pregnancy if you would like to use a birth pool. You can choose up to two support people. Doctors, including newborn specialists, are available at all times.

The Maternity Assessment Centre is staffed by midwives and doctors, and it is open all day and night. Contact it for waters breaking, reduced baby movements, bleeding or any worry about your pregnancy. From 16 weeks of pregnancy, the MAC is where you go for pregnancy concerns. Before 16 weeks, go to the Emergency Department.

Does Sunshine Hospital have a NICU?

Yes. Newborn Services at Joan Kirner Women's and Children's has 30 cots that combine intensive care, high dependency and special care, and more cots are planned. Parents and carers can visit at any time, and one parent can stay overnight on a day-bed. Other visitors can come from 2pm to 8pm. When your baby no longer needs intensive care, they move to the newborn unit closest to your home.

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

How long you stay depends on how you and your baby are, so ask your midwife. If you are in Midwifery Group Practice, you may be able to go home 4 to 6 hours after the birth. After the birth you move to the women's wards on Levels 7 and 8, and a cot is provided for your baby to sleep next to you.

What are the visiting hours at Joan Kirner Women's and Children's?

Western Health pages give different visiting times for the maternity wards, so call the hospital on (03) 8345 1333 before you plan visits. Your partner or support person can stay with you in the birthing rooms.

What support is there after I take my baby home?

• Midwife home visits: MGP midwives visit at home for up to two weeks after the birth.
• Lactation support: lactation consultants are available in hospital, and support continues for up to six weeks by appointment.
• Perinatal mental health: Western Health's Perinatal Mental Health Service supports you for up to 6 months after birth.
• Breastfeeding Helpline: 1800 686 268, free, 24 hours a day.
• Maternal and Child Health Line: 13 22 29, 24 hours a day.
• NURSE-ON-CALL: 1300 60 60 24, 24-hour nurse advice.

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

Other maternity hospitals near Sunshine

These public and private hospitals are also in Melbourne's north and west.

• Werribee Mercy Hospital Public
• Northpark Private Hospital Private
• Northern Hospital Epping Public
• The Royal Women's Hospital Public
• Mercy Hospital for Women Public

See all Victorian birthing hospitals.

Sunshine Hospital maternity FAQs

Hospital details checked against Western Health on 21 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.