Leaving a mark on Women and Children’s Health
04 August 2025
After a career spanning 27 years at NALHN, Professor Gustaaf Dekker has retired from his role as the Academic Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. He is widely known for his dedication to clinical research and his contributions to innovative projects in his field.
Pictured: The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology team celebrating Professor Dekker’s retirement with a party.
One such effort was the development of the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network’s (NALHN) Mother Carers program, which provides at-home support for postnatal women – a first of its kind in Australia.
Within his most recent position, he has overseen a transformation in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology from a district hospital maternity service, to a leader in South Australia for innovation and evidence-based care. As a result, the Department is the most sought after by trainees in the State.
From 1998 – 2014, Prof. Dekker was the Clinical Director of the Women and Children’s Division at Lyell McEwin Hospital, providing support to pregnant people, and their families, throughout their maternal care, while managing an expert team. He garnered global recognition as a leading expert in the fields of preeclampsia, thrombophilia and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
He was also instrumental in the amalgamation of Modbury and Lyell McEwin Hospital into a single Women’s and Paediatric service, creating ease in care across NALHN sites.
After stepping down from this role to focus on research, he first introduced the use of nifedipine in the state for management of preterm labour, leading to it being the most used drug for this common condition.
Through his rewarding efforts across NALHN, his positive impact has reached not only patients and their families, but the teams that he has had the pleasure of representing over the years.
“Gus was a strong, yet supportive and kind leader, leading by example with a hands-on clinical approach,” said Dr Martin Ritossa, Divisional Director (Medical) of Women and Children’s at NALHN.
“He led a positive culture that created an obstetrics ‘family’, with all staff members equally involved in driving exceptional patient outcomes."
Prof. Dekker has left an indelible mark on the care of women and children at NALHN, ensuring that the Department continues to be a leader in its field.