At NOSU we understand that each pregnancy experience is as unique as every Mother, and therefore regardless of your religion, culture, sexual preference or other individuality we welcome you!
We are dedicated to making your pregnancy, labour and postnatal experience personal and will work with you to find a plan specific to your needs.
Our Obstetricians and experienced Midwives are available daily to answer your concerns and by having the latest ultrasound and diagnostic equipment and specialist Obstetric Sonographers we commit to supporting your pregnancy and providing the safest pregnancy care.
We deliver in the Newcastle Private Hospital so it is necessary for you to have full Obstetric cover with a Private Health Fund. We do however have full VMO rights at the John Hunter Hospital if it necessary to deliver you or care for you in this hospital.
Meet the team
Dr Felicity Park - Obstetrician
MBBS FRANZCOG DDU CMFM
Provider Number: 257412AW
Dr Felicity Park is an obstetrician dedicated to providing high quality, evidenced based obstetric care to women of all ages. Her compassionate and composed nature is well suited to caring for women and their families at this special time in their lives. As a subspecialist in Maternal Fetal Medicine, she is experienced in caring for both pregnancies that are complex and those pregnancies that remain low risk. Her focus on continuity of care incorporating multidisciplinary midwifery care and specialised obstetric imaging allows her to support and manage all aspects of your pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal journey. She strives for the best possible outcome for every woman and their baby, whilst working alongside women throughout their pregnancy supporting informed choice and individual preferences.
Dr Park graduated from University of Sydney and has undertaken Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist training and Maternal Fetal Medicine subspeciality training in Australia and overseas. Dr Park is the Director of Maternal Fetal Medicine at the John Hunter Hospital and has private rooms in New Lambton Heights. She continues to share her passion for obstetrics and women’s health by actively participating in the education of specialist trainees, junior medical staff, medical and midwifery students. She has a long standing interest in research and translation of best practice into clinical care. Dr Park completed her PhD in preterm preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Dr Park’s research focuses on personalised medicine with a focus on prevention of obstetric complications. She is involved in ongoing research with collaborations through Hunter New England Health and The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI). Dr Park is the AMA representative for the Hunter region.
Outside of Obstetrics, Dr Park enjoys skiing and spending time outdoors. She is also a volunteer surf lifesaver in Newcastle.
Dr Tanya McKenny
Dr Tanya McKenny is a dedicated and empathetic Obstetrician with a calm and friendly demeanor who is excited to be offering private obstetric care to the families of the Newcastle and Hunter region. Dr McKenny has dedicated her career to the pursuit of the skills, experience and qualifications to care for all pregnancies, from low to high risk, focusing on the provision of high-quality care guided by the latest evidence, and tailored to the unique circumstances and preferences of her patients.
Dr McKenny's compassionate patient-focused approach draws on more than a decade of experience working across some of Australia's leading maternity hospitals. Dr McKenny completed her medical training at the University of Sydney before completing obstetrics and gynaecology training at Westmead and Royal Prince Alfred Hospitals, obtaining her specialist qualification from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (RANZCOG) in 2021. She has undergone further training in ultrasound, obtaining a Diploma in Diagnostic Imaging (DDU obstetrics and gynaecology) in 2021, and is in the final stages of the rigorous three years of Maternal Fetal Medicine Subspecialty training program - the highest qualification an obstetrician can achieve.
Dr McKenny is a staff specialist obstetrician in Maternal Fetal Medicine at John Hunter Hospital, where she oversees high-risk pregnancies referred from across the Hunter region and beyond. She participated enthusiastically in the training of junior medical officers, RANZCOG trainees and midwives.
Beyond her work, Dr. McKenny enjoys spending time outdoors - in particular exploring the beaches and bike paths of Newcastle with her young family.
Professor Craig Pennell
MBBS PHD FRANZCOG CMFM
Provider number: 205861GY
Professor Craig Pennell is the Chair in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Head of Discipline at the University of Newcastle, and Senior Staff Specialist in Maternal Fetal Medicine (John Hunter Hospital). In addition to his subspecialty training in maternal fetal medicine, he has a PhD in fetal physiology and completed postdoctoral training in molecular genetics in Toronto.
Professor Pennell has managed high risk pregnancies as a subspecialist for over 15 years in Canada, Perth, and now Newcastle and his clinical work focuses on preterm birth prevention and pregnancy care after stillbirth. In addition to research, teaching and clinical medicine, he is the Foundation Scientific Director of the Newcastle 1000 Family Study (NEW1000) and Chair of the National Scientific Advisory Group of Red Nose.
Professor Pennell’s research is best categorised as personalised medicine in perinatal health and the developmental origins of health and disease. His research is focussed on the use of genetics and genomics to predict and prevent preterm birth and non-communicable diseases across the lifespan.
Outside of working really hard, he likes to cook for his wife, travel with his sons and ride his bike.
Sonographers
Sofie Boswell
Qualifications
- Bachelor Medical Radiation Science (Diagnostic Radiography)
- Post Graduate Diploma Medical Sonography
Short working history
I worked in radiography for five years in both the public and private sector before completing my ultrasound training in 2012. I have been lucky enough to be part of the team at Newcastle Obstetric and Specialist Ultrasound for the past 5 years.
What working in obstetrics means to you and why you enjoy it
I have always had a special interest in obstetrics and the pregnancy journey. I love the challenge obstetrics ultrasound provides and I cherish the opportunity to be able to help women and their partners connect with their babies.
Geraldine Dwyer
Qualifications
- Bachelor Applied Science (MRT, Diagnostic Radiography)
- Graduate Diploma Health Science (Medical Sonography)
Short working history
I started radiography and ultrasound in the public system and since moving to Newcastle have worked doing private obstetric scanning for 17 years.
What working in obstetrics means to you and why you enjoy it
Obstetric ultrasound has always been my favourite part of scanning. It is rewarding following a patient’s journey from the early stages of pregnancy to seeing the baby at the postnatal visit.
Practice Manager
Karen Cross
Short working history
I have worked in the obstetric field for over ten years and the medical field all my life.
What working in obstetrics means to you and why you enjoy it
It is a privilege to be a part of a woman’s journey through pregnancy. Each day is different. It’s rewarding caring for women during such an important time in their life.
Office Managers
Rebecca Conway
Short working history
I have been working for specialists since 1991 and joined this obstetrics practice in 2006.
What working in obstetrics means to you and why you enjoy it
I have met some amazing women and formed many lasting friendships. It is so exciting to bump into a previous patient while shopping and have them remember me, especially when have the bubs, toddlers (or even teenagers now) with them. I love the team I work with and feel so lucky to share this exciting journey with you all.
Allison Winchester-O’Brien
Short working history
I worked in general practice for 15 years and at NOSU for 13 years
What working in obstetrics means to you and why you enjoy it
I enjoy supporting our patients through the journey of becoming a family.
We are co-located with Rebecca Martin, Women’s Health Physiotherapy: www.rebeccamartin.biz