The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) is Queensland’s largest public hospital and a major teaching and referral centre. But why is it called the RBWH? The name reflects a rich history of two prominent hospitals—the Royal Brisbane Hospital and the Royal Women’s Hospital—that merged to form the institution we know today.
Origins: Two Distinguished Hospitals
- Brisbane Hospital: The hospital’s roots trace back to 1849 when the Moreton Bay Hospital was established as Brisbane’s first public hospital. It was renamed the Brisbane Hospital in 1856 as other hospitals opened in the region. In 1867, the hospital relocated to its current site at Herston. Over the decades, it grew into a major teaching hospital, training thousands of doctors and nurses.
- Women’s Hospital: Brisbane’s first women’s hospital began in 1864 as the Queensland Lying-In Hospital, initially located in Spring Hill. It was later renamed the Lady Bowen Hospital. In 1938, a new Women’s Hospital opened adjacent to the Brisbane Hospital at Herston, focusing on maternity and women’s health services.
The “Royal” Prefix
In recognition of their importance, Queen Elizabeth II granted permission to use the prefix “Royal” for both hospitals—first for the Brisbane Hospital in 1966, then for the Women’s Hospital in 1967. This royal endorsement highlighted their prestige and vital role in Queensland’s healthcare system.
The Amalgamation: Creating RBWH
Although the two hospitals operated side by side for decades, it wasn’t until 2003 that they officially merged to become the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH). This amalgamation combined their resources and expertise, creating Queensland’s largest tertiary referral hospital with nearly 1,000 beds and a comprehensive range of specialties.
Initially, the Women’s section was divided into the Women’s Health Division and the Division of Neonatology, which later merged into the Women’s and Newborn Services Service Line.
What RBWH Represents Today
Today, RBWH is a quaternary and tertiary referral hospital serving patients across Queensland, northern New South Wales, and neighboring countries. It provides specialized services in medicine, surgery, obstetrics, neonatology, oncology, trauma, psychiatry, and women’s health, among others. The hospital also plays a significant teaching and research role, linked closely with Queensland’s major tertiary institutions.
Summary
The name Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital reflects the proud history of two distinguished hospitals—the Royal Brisbane Hospital and the Royal Women’s Hospital—that merged in 2003. Both hospitals had earned the “Royal” prefix through royal assent in the 1960s, symbolizing their importance in Queensland’s healthcare landscape. Today, RBWH stands as a leading institution, continuing a legacy of exceptional care, education, and research.