Westmead Health Precinct

Westmead Health Precinct Prospectus

World-leading medical precinct in the making.

The history of health services in Western Sydney began with a tent hospital established in Parramatta to meet the medical needs of convicts, military personnel, and early settlers in 1789. By 1818, the site had developed into the Colonial Hospital and later, in 1897, the hospital was expanded and became known as the Parramatta District Hospital.

were treated at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) actively conducts fundamental medical and biological research to create a healthier future for all children. The Institute, originally known as the Children’s Medical Research Foundation was established in 1958. Its long history of tackling the greatest health issues affecting children has driven its scientists to search for cures for children’s genetic diseases, which include cancer, cystic fibrosis, metabolic and rare disorders. In 1993, the planning for a research institute at Westmead Hospital began. Formed in 1996 originally as the Westmead Institutes of Health Research, the now Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) turns medical research discoveries into breakthroughs that save lives and deliver hope. WIMR scientists continue to advance medical research into some of the world’s most serious diseases, including HIV; diabetes; cancers; heart, kidney and liver issues; and deadly viruses.

As the population of Sydney’s west expanded, the services provided at Parramatta District Hospital became inadequate to meet demand. In order to provide the services required Westmead Hospital, initially known as the Westmead Centre, was constructed, and opened in 1978. Acute services were relocated to Westmead Hospital with the Parramatta building continuing to function as the rehabilitation arm of the hospital. By 1991, all services had been transferred to the Westmead Hospital site. The Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children in Camperdown relocated to its new home in Westmead in 1995. Following years of planning, it was designed with patients and families in mind to create a ‘total healing environment’. The move in 1995 was driven by the need for additional space, improved buildings and new equipment. Westmead was chosen as the location for the hospital due to its close proximity to other Sydney-based hospitals and the growing population in Sydney’s western suburbs. In the 20 years following the opening in 1995, over 500,000 inpatients and almost 1,000,000 emergency patients

1978