History of the Foundation

The history of the John James Foundation.

The John James Foundation was established in 2006 by a group of Canberra medical specialists and owners of the John James Hospital.  At that time a decision was made to lease the Hospital business to Calvary Private Healthcare Canberra. From 2006 to 2018 the Foundation retained ownership of the hospital land and buildings which form the John James Health Care Campus. The revenue generated through a long term lease with Calvary Private Healthcare was applied solely to further the objectives of the newly formed Foundation.

The Foundation has maintained a strong working partnership with Calvary Private Healthcare, the operators of Calvary John James Hospital. To date, the John James Foundation has made contributions to the Hospital Partnership approaching $3 million for refurbishment, works and the purchase of a range of surgical and specialist equipment.

Following the completion of a 5 year strategic plan in early 2018, the Board deliberated on the sale of the John James Healthcare Campus, assessing whether hospital asset ownership remained the best way to deliver the charitable mission of the Foundation. The Board resolved to sell the Health Care Campus to the current owners, Barwon Investment Partners, in May, 2018. The Hospital remains an integral part of the legacy of the Foundation.

The sale price of more than $100M empowers the Foundation to become widely recognised as the premier charitable health organisation in the ACT.

The Foundation remains under the guidance of its 150 Members and undertakes a range of charitable and philanthropic activity for the benefit of Canberra and its surrounds.