Mater acquires Gold Coast Private Hospital to expand private healthcare network

Mater, Queensland’s leading not-for-profit healthcare provider, has confirmed the acquisition of Healthscope’s Gold Coast Private Hospital, a move designed to secure long-term private healthcare services on the Gold Coast and expand Mater’s statewide network.

The transaction follows Healthscope’s receivership in May last year, when the company was reported to have $1.6 billion in debt.

The hospital, a 33,000 sqm facility built for $230 million in 2016, offers 331 beds, 21 operating theatres, and a broad range of clinical and surgical specialties including maternity, obstetrics, cardiac surgery, intensive care, and emergency services. A $50 million expansion completed in 2018 increased its capacity to meet growing demand.

Patrick Brady, Mater board chair, said: “Mater’s exceptional healthcare has been trusted by patients across Queensland for more than 120 years and we are delighted to extend our Mission-driven services to the Gold Coast.”

He added: “We appreciate that this has been an uncertain time for Gold Coast Private Hospital, but Mater’s plan is focused on the long-term. We are looking forward to providing exceptional healthcare to Gold Coasters for generations to come.”

The acquisition will be implemented in partnership with Healthscope to ensure a smooth transition of ownership and workforce. Operations at Gold Coast Private Hospital will continue under Healthscope management until the handover, a process expected to take at least six months.

For Mater, the purchase represents a strategic expansion: building new hospitals is capital-intensive, with the planned Springfield hospital costing over $450 million for a facility roughly half the size of Gold Coast Private Hospital.

By acquiring an operational, high-quality asset on a freehold site, Mater immediately increases its network capacity and service reach while safeguarding existing employment.

Discover how Mater’s acquisition strengthens private healthcare provision and regional service capacity.