Our History
Burnside War Memorial Hospital has been a pillar of healthcare excellence in South Australia for over seven decades. Founded as a tribute to World War II veterans, it was built on the values of compassion, service and community care. It is now a modern, multi‑site private hospital providing high‑quality, patient‑centred care in Adelaide.
A Vision for a Community Hospital
The idea was to create a healthcare facility that would uphold values of compassion, excellence and service, reflecting the spirit of those it was built to commemorate.
The hospital’s foundation was made possible through the extraordinary generosity of Otto von Rieben, a respected local benefactor, businessman, and philanthropist. His deep commitment to the community led him to donate his stately residence "Attunga" and its surrounding land on Kensington Road, Toorak Gardens. This act of generosity became the cornerstone of what would later be known as Burnside War Memorial Hospital.
The Hospital’s First Home
Otto von Rieben was deeply involved in the hospital’s early years. His donation of the estate reflected his belief in the importance of accessible healthcare and his vision for a hospital that would serve current and future generations.
As the hospital grew, Attunga remained a cherished part of its history. While modern expansions were necessary to accommodate advancements in medical care, the spirit of community service, generosity and care that Otto von Rieben instilled remains at the heart of Burnside Hospital’s mission.
The Burnside War Memorial Hospital Constitution
Burnside War Memorial Hospital was formally established through a constitution that reinforced its not-for-profit status and outlined its commitment to patient care, innovation, and continuous improvement.
The constitution highlighted the hospital’s role as a War Memorial, ensuring that it would always be operated with a sense of duty, service, and gratitude to those who had sacrificed for their country.
Key principles enshrined in the hospital include:
Not-for-Profit Commitment
Every dollar is reinvested into patient care, technology, and facility improvements, ensuring the hospital remains at the forefront of healthcare.
Excellence in Clinical Care
A commitment to world‑class medical services, with an emphasis on safety, innovation, and evidence‑based practice.
Patient-Centred Approach
A focus on providing compassionate, inclusive, high‑quality healthcare tailored to the needs of each individual.
Community Focus
Strong ties to the local community with a focus on best practice healthcare for all.
These founding principles shaped Burnside Hospital’s strategic direction and helped to establish it as South Australia’s trusted healthcare provider of choice.
A Living Memorial
Burnside Hospital remains deeply rooted in its heritage, upholding the values of service, care, and excellence that inspired its creation. The hospital is a living tribute to those who served, continuing to honour their legacy by providing exceptional community healthcare.
While much has changed since Otto von Rieben first donated Attunga, one thing has remained the same: Burnside Hospital’s unwavering commitment to patient-centred, high-quality care.
Burnside Hospital: Built on Legacy, Committed to Excellence, Dedicated to You.
Your career
at Burnside
With an uncompromising commitment to patient care and our dedication to nurturing a dynamic, team orientated, collegial environment, Burnside Hospital is truly a great place to work.