Westmead. Merger of hospitals proposed

The state's two biggest children's hospitals, The Children's Hospital at Westmead and Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick are expected to come together under one administrative umbrella, within six months, in a proposal announced the Premier, Kristina Keneally, and the Health Minister, Carmel Tebbutt. One chief executive will manage both hospitals, an advisory panel will oversee budget decisions and a chief pediatrician will be appointed. Tony Penna, the chief executive of the Children's Hospital at Westmead, said the hospital had treasured its independence but a statewide entity was clearly in children's interests. The third children's hospital, at John Hunter in Newcastle, will remain part of the Hunter New England Area Health Service but clinicians will be part of the new health service, to be known as NSW Kids. The proposal will be open to public consultation until the end of next month.