Celebrating 50 Years of Flinders Medical Centre in 2026

For five decades, Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) has stood as a cornerstone of healthcare provision in South Australia. Since opening in 1976, FMC has delivered compassionate and high-quality care, driven medical innovation, and supported generations of patients and families. In 2026, we celebrate the people, milestones, and stories that have shaped our journey, as we look forward to the future. 

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1976 — 1986

1976 — Flinders Medical Centre opened

Long before the first patient was admitted on 6 April, 1976, a group of visionary South Australians set out to build Australia’s first fully integrated medical school and public teaching hospital, where patient care, education, and research would operate seamlessly within a single institution. FMC was designed to shape the future of healthcare in South Australia and beyond.

1976 — VollieCare volunteer services commenced 

VollieCare (formerly known as the Volunteer Service for Flinders Medical Centre) have provided support services to FMC patients, families and their loved ones from the day our doors first opened. VollieCare has contributed millions of dollars to medical research and facilities, as well as offering guide services, patient care initiatives, and nurture boxes. Our volunteers bring warmth and generosity everywhere they go.

1982  — South Australia’s first IVF baby is born

The first IVF baby born in South Australia, Matthew Wooton, arrived in October 1982 at FMC to parents Christine Wooton and her husband Dean.  Delivered by Dr Trevor Mudge, Matthew’s birth marked a game changer in reproductive healthcare in South Australia. Innovation into in-vitro fertilisation continues today within FMC’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology Services, leading to further breakthroughs in the field.

1982 — The Eye Bank of South Australia

Established in 1982, the Eye Bank of South Australia was the first of its kind in Australasia. It was set up to reduce the shortage of eye tissue available for grafting and to avoid delays for patients requiring a corneal transplant. Since its formation, there have been 4315 donors resulting in 5899 corneal recipients and 682 scleral (white of the eye) recipients. This small but dedicated team is on call 24/7 to facilitate corneal donations across the state.

Pictured above: Margaret Philpott, Eye Bank Coordinator 1997 to 2014.

1983 — World’s first IVF triplets are born

The world’s first IVF triplets, Chenara, Aaron, and Jessica Guare, were born at Flinders Medical Centre in June 1983, delivered by Dr. Christopher Chen. This was a major event in reproductive medicine history. Born one month prematurely via caesarean section, the triplets have maintained a strong bond throughout their lives. The triplets would be 43 years of age in 2026.

1985 — Australian Corneal Graft Registry established

The Australian Corneal Graft Registry (ACGR) was established at our hospital by Flinders University Emeritus Professor Keryn Williams AC and fellow Flinders Emeritus Professor Doug Coster AO (pictured) to provide high quality analysis of corneal transplantation outcomes in Australia. For 40 years, the ACGR has collected clinical information on over 50,000 corneal transplant surgeries – data submitted by over 1000 ophthalmologists — on an entirely voluntary basis. Today it is one of the world’s largest repositories of information on corneal transplants.

1986 — First cochlear implant in SA is performed

In 1986, Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) performed South Australia’s first cochlear implant surgery, supporting patient Shirley Ackehurst and marking a pivotal moment in hearing health care. This milestone established FMC as the state’s sole public adult cochlear implant program, then and now, leading the way in innovative care for South Australians who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Pictured above: SA’s first cochlear implant patient, Shirley Ackehurst.

1987 — 1996

1992 — SA’s first liver transplant takes place 

In October 1992, the South Australian (SA) Liver Transplant Unit, based at Flinders Medical Centre, performed the very first liver transplant in SA on patient Tasia Douvos. Liver Transplant Surgeons involved were Professor Robert Padbury (pictured) and Professor James Toouli, alongside an amazing team of doctors, nurses and support staff. In 2026, the Liver Transplant Unit is celebrating 34 years of providing services to the community.

Pictured above: The Liver Transplant team in 2024.

1994 — The first SA Hospital@Home Service

Hospital in the Home (HITH) – originally called Hospital@Home – based at Flinders Medical Centre commenced in 1994. The service enabled acute nursing care and treatment for patients to occur in the comfort of their own home, keeping them connected to their daily routines and community.

Pictured above: The 2026 Hospital in the Home team.

1997 — 2006

1999 — Flinders Private Hospital opened 

Flinders Private Hospital, opening on 4 January 1999, has become an important part of the Flinders Precinct, providing private acute surgical, cardiac, and medical services that sit alongside public health services delivered at FMC. Flinders Private Hospital contributes to integrated models of care that strengthen service delivery across the southern community.

1999 — Aboriginal Health Unit, Karpa Ngarrattendi opened 

The Karpa Ngarrattendi Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Unit began operations at Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) in November 1997. The Unit’s Kaurna name means ‘to support, to heal’, and was officially opened and named in February 1999.  The Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers (AHLOs) raise awareness and liaise health professionals to ensure a culturally-sensitive service is being provided, and all aspects of the patient’s journey are considered in developing treatment plans.

Aboriginal Health Cultural Identity Artwork

The Margaret Tobin Centre at Flinders Medical Centre opened its doors to Mental Health patients on 26 September 2006. The mental health centre was named in honour of the State’s former Director of Mental Health, the late Dr Margaret Tobin (pictured). The Centre has recently undergone an upgrade and now includes a brand-new 12-bed Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

Pictured above:
Left — Margaret Tobin Centre facade in 2007. 
Right — Inside the Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit, opened in March 2026.

2007 — 2016

2010 — Caring for the 1 millionth patient

In 2010, five-month-old Brayden was assessed and admitted into Flinders Medical Centre (FMC), where he was allocated the one-millionth medical record number since the hospital opened in 1976. Pictured above are Emergency Department Registered Nurse Bill, and Brayden’s mother, Michelle, who was born at FMC when the hospital first opened. ‘The admission sticker has gone into his baby book,’ Michelle, said. ‘Our other two children were born at FMC, so the hospital has been a major part of our life.’

2011 First hospital project to receive a 5 Star Green Star rating

The Flinders Medical Centre South Wing, opened in 2009, and was the first hospital project in South Australia – and Australia – to achieve a 5 Star Green Star rating for healthcare design. Certified by the Green Building Council of Australia, it featured major sustainability initiatives like a 286-panel solar hot water system and reduced water usage by 20%.

2012 — A significant redevelopment of Flinders Medical Centre was officially opened

The build included an upgraded Emergency Department, expanded Operating Theatres and Intensive and Critical Care Unit, an Acute Medical Unit, a Cardiac Care Unit, new south wing building, and a new wing for maternity and gynaecology patients. The Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) redevelopment project began in 2008 and at the time was the largest improvement project to take place at FMC in its 36-year history.

2012 — Flinders Medical Centre becomes part of Southern Adelaide Local Health Network   

In 2012, Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) became part of the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, which also includes Noarlunga Hospital, Repat Health Precinct, Jamie Larcombe Centre and many other sites.

2012 — Flinders Foundation opened the Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer

Flinders Foundation’s Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer (FCIC) was South Australia’s first integrated cancer centre, combining world-class compassionate care and survivorship with groundbreaking prevention and early intervention research. Flinders Foundation has provided additional funds for ground-breaking research and cutting-edge practices. The FCIC has changed the lives of thousands of people with cancer, and their families.

2017 — 2026

2017 — Rehabilitation and Palliative Care Building works completed

This building included a new rehabilitation centre, palliative care service (Laurel Hospice) with a roof top garden, Older Person’s Mental Health Service and multi-storey car park. The state-of-the-art facility is spread across five levels and is 11,000m2.

2018 — Brand new Neonatal Unit opened

A new purpose-built Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) Neonatal Unit opened in October 2018, providing a healing and supportive environment for families with premature babies. The upgrade included new cots, family rooms, overnight accommodation space for families, an admission assessment bay for newborn infants, isolation rooms, a staff area, and a simulation clinical space for clinicians to train in resuscitation and critical care.

2021 — Birthing care hospital for women with COVID-19

As part of the state-wide response to the global COVID-19 Pandemic, Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) was the dedicated hospital to provide care to COVID-19 positive maternity patients from across the state.

2023 — Research continues to evolve at Flinders Medical Centre

One of the most significant research projects undertaken at FMC to date is screening to prevent bowel cancer. This research was led by Professor Graeme Young and Associate Professor Erin Symonds (pictured) and has underpinned the development of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP). Since the program’s commencement in Australia in August 2006, over 10 million screening tests have been completed with around 4.5 million people participating at least once.

In 2023, FMC opened its Research Hub. This Hub works closely with key partners with the vision of ensuring SALHN is a premier and preferred site to conduct investigator-initiated research and sponsored clinical trials across a broad range of disciplines.

2026 — Southern Redevelopment – Stage 1 works continue for the new Acute Services Building

Flinders Medical Centre is undergoing a major expansion and upgrade, which will include a seven-storey Acute Services Building to deliver an additional 98 clinical spaces. The new facilities will provide the communities we serve with additional access to vital healthcare.

The Acute Services Building is expected to open in 2028.