25 September 2025

NALHN recently farewelled eminent clinician Professor Gustaaf Dekker, who retired from his role as Academic Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 

During his 27 years’ service he was also Clinical Director of the Women and Children’s Division, and many of the initiatives introduced by the obstetrical and midwifery team at NALHN were subsequently adopted in the rest of the state. 

In the 1980s Professor Dekker completed the first international study on the use of low-dose aspirin in the prevention of pre-eclampsia. He is recognised internationally for his work on pre-eclampsia, the prediction and management of pre-term labour and the role of genetic disorders in adverse pregnancy outcomes.

With the midwifery team, he also developed Lyell McEwin Hospital’s Mother Carer program for new mothers and helped develop the Lyell McEwin perinatal mental health team, and as such leaves a remarkable legacy.