[2][3] The RHW began life in 1820 as a "lying-in" hospital under auspices of the Benevolent Society.

[4] By 1888 the RHW (then known as the Benevolent Society Asylum) became affiliated to the University of Sydney as a training hospital.

[5] As of 2011, the RHW reportedly provided the following services annually:[6] The RHW forms a part of the South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Area Health Service[7] and is assisted by the fundraising efforts of the Royal Hospital for Women Foundation.

[8] On 15 December 2023, the first baby (male) was born in Australia to a mother who received a transplanted uterus.

Kristy Bryant received the uterus in January 2023 at the Royal Hospital for Women, and fell pregnant within three months through embryo implantation.