Historic Westmead partnership agreement
The University of Sydney together with Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) and Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network (SCHN) have signed a historic partnership agreement.
Artist’s impression of the Central Acute Services Building and Innovation Centre
The partnership, in line with the University's strategic plan (2016-22), will ensure Westmead campus remains the leading international centre for research and innovation.
This partnership agreement is integral to the Westmead Redevelopment, a major NSW government initiative to transform the Westmead precinct. It includes a $1bn new central acute services building (CASB) which will host elements of both Westmead Hospital and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and will also provide a central ‘home’ for the University of Sydney at Westmead.
Aimed at further embedding research, education and clinical services together, the building will also provide substantial teaching, research and administrative space across two floors for the University of Sydney.
Mr. Danny O’Connor, Chief Executive WSLHD said “the future of health, not only for acute illness but in terms of wellbeing across our communities, depends on health providers, educators and researchers working more closely together than ever before.”
“The Westmead Redevelopment and this partnership represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change the way people engage with notions of health, whether as patients, families, professionals or students. This agreement will enable us to make best use of the resources and expertise of the partners to achieve better health and wellbeing for the people of western Sydney and beyond.”
This partnership agreement is incredibly important for the future of Westmead as it provides clarity of vision and minimises the kinds of miscommunication to which a partnership between three large, complex organisations like ours may otherwise be vulnerable.
The vision for growth at Westmead
The University’s investment in infrastructure at Westmead, such as the CASB and Innovation Centre, is approaching $100m in the near term, with the view to invest $500m by 2030. This agreement affirms our commitment to develop and diversify the academic presence at Westmead over the next 12 years from the current 1,600 students to 6,000 by 2030.
Vice-Chancellor’s Delegate for Westmead, Professor Chris Peck said “The University is proud to have a long history at Westmead, starting with the foundation of Westmead Hospital as a tertiary teaching institution 40 years ago. This partnership agreement is incredibly important for the future of Westmead as it provides clarity of vision and minimises the kinds of miscommunication to which a partnership between three large, complex organisations like ours may otherwise be vulnerable.”
In short, it will enable us to work more efficiently and effectively together as we transform Westmead into a global centre of excellence in health education and research innovation.”
This growth is built on Westmead’s founding principle of embedding education and research together with health services. The agreement reached today establishes the mechanisms by which these partners can deliver that vision together.
Dr. Michael Brydon, Chief Executive of SCHN said “the business of these three organisations has always been intertwined at Westmead, but not necessarily in a truly coordinated fashion. It’s a testament to the leadership - and the staff- of the various Westmead partners that we have been able to achieve this historic agreement, and I know it will be warmly welcomed by everyone working here.”
Attend our Sydney Ideas, Westmead event on 13 August.