Adding to the uncertainty was the resignation and removal of several senior medical professionals, including specialist paediatric palliative doctors, in recent weeks.
A spokesperson for Hummingbird House did not comment on staff turnover but said: “Due to limited doctor availability over the Christmas and New Year period, we have made the difficult decision to bring forward our Christmas closure, starting Friday afternoon 19 December 2025.”
“We expect to reopen for families on 12 January 2026,” they continued.
“We understand this temporary closure may cause disruption to families and we are working closely with them to provide alternative options and rebook their respite in the New Year.”
The spokesperson said the hospice is a Level 3 facility under the Clinical Service Capability Framework, which means “a doctor is not required to be on site at all times”.
Loading
“Patients and staff are supported by the Paediatric Palliative Care Service in the Queensland Children’s Hospital and we work collaboratively to ensure continuity of care.
“Our purpose of providing specialised paediatric palliative care to children and families remains unchanged.”
Asked about Hummingbird House’s imminent closure on Friday, Health Minister Tim Nicholls said the facility was facing difficulties “retaining and holding staff”.
“We expect Wesley Mission, as we expect all partners in Queensland Health … to manage their system appropriately and to fund [and staff it] appropriately [and] to meet all guidelines.”
Hummingbird House receives state and federal tax funding and public donations, including from an annual Coles fundraiser which raised close to $700,000 last year.
Since mid-2022, WMQ have reported more than $1 billion in revenue.
In a statement, Hummingbird House said a recent review “identified the need to reduce the number of senior managers to align with best practice and ensure more resources are directed to frontline services” but did not directly link this to the facility’s closure.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
