THE countdown is officially underway at Mater Hospital Springfield, with the facility’s first cohort of doctors marking their first day on-site today as part of this year’s National Doctors’ Day.
Fifteen of the hospital’s 135 doctors have now begun work inside the nine-storey facility, as clinical and non-clinical teams move in for onboarding, training and final preparations ahead of opening.
The hospital will welcome its first outpatients from April 13, with departments to roll out in stages over the following six weeks.
The Emergency Department — one of the most anticipated services — is scheduled to open on May 25.
Clinical Director of Emergency, Dr Ben Butcher, said being among the first clinicians on-site was a career highlight.
“I have been fortunate to be part of the recruitment process for many of the new ED staff who will be working alongside me here,” he said.
“We have recruited an excellent and enthusiastic team who I can’t wait to start working with.”
The Emergency Department alone will launch with 55 doctors and more than 100 nurses, forming a key part of the hospital’s broader healthcare offering.
Once fully operational, the hospital will deliver 186 public beds alongside a full suite of services including intensive care, maternity, operating theatres and paediatrics — bringing major healthcare capabilities to the rapidly growing Western Corridor for the first time.
Dr Butcher, who has transferred from Mater Hospital Brisbane, said the new facility was already making an impression.
“It’s exciting to see how big, shiny and brand new it is. It’s going to be a great, modern place to work,” he said.
“Being one of the first team members in a brand-new hospital built in an area of need is such a privilege.”
General Manager Suzanne Hawksley said the milestone marked a major step toward opening.
“Teams across all areas have commenced onboarding and training on site, ahead of our phased opening in the coming weeks,” she said.
Backed by a $1 billion investment from the Queensland Government and Mater, the hospital is expected to handle around 185,000 patient presentations each year and support the delivery of 1,700 babies annually.
The development is also set to create around 1,000 new jobs in 2026, providing a major economic and healthcare boost to Greater Springfield and surrounding communities.
