Unique agreement paves way for Queensland Children's Hospital

During December 2008, Queensland Health and Mater Health Services entered into a formal memorandum of understanding that secures the new Queensland Children’s Hospital (QCH) as a government-owned facility for up to 90 years.

Opening from 2011 to 2014, QCH will unite the services of Mater Children’s Hospital and Royal Children’s Hospital into a single location, next to Mater’s hospitals at South Brisbane.

“The united efforts and goodwill shown by staff from Queensland Health and Mater Health Services will ensure that the Queensland Children’s Hospital will be a world class centre for paediatrics in this state,” Health Minister Stephen Robertson said.

“We want to create an environment in the new Queensland Children’s Hospital which is in harmony with the neighbouring Mater hospitals, one that supports families, patients and the staff who work there,” he continued.

“The agreement outlines how this will be achieved through hospital governance, land tenure, leasing of space in the existing Mater Children’s Hospital building and car parking arrangements.”

Mater Health Services Chief Executive Officer, Dr John O’Donnell said the agreement is structured to ensure the best possible facility is built for the children of Queensland.

“This agreement highlights Mater’s commitment to working together with the government to deliver the most advanced children’s tertiary health care service in the country.”