The city’s first Paediatrician, Dr Bob McGregor may have officially retired from the Ipswich Hospital Foundation board after many dedicated years of service, but his legacy will continue.
Bob hung up his scrubs for the last time after 47 years in February but remained on the board.
For 21 years, Bob was a major driving force on the board, raising funds for facilities, equipment and research seeking to specifically support paediatric services throughout the city.
But now, he felt it was the right time to step down from his position.
“I was a founding member of the board and I just felt it was the right time to give someone else a go,” said Mr McGregor.
On Wednesday, October 27, the board held a farewell luncheon for their long-serving member and in recognition of his efforts, the foundation presented him with ‘The Dr Bob McGregor Paediatric Health Research Fund.’
The new fund was officially launched on Monday 25 October and has since received an overwhelming response.
“I was so surprised and over the moon when I was presented with the fund,” said Mr McGregor.
“I couldn’t speak, I didn’t expect that at all. And I cannot believe the fund already has gained a substantial amount of funds. I am absolutely chuffed, I mean, I am so happy that I have a bit of drawing power,” he laughed.
Ipswich Hospital Foundation CEO, James Sturges said the new fund will support locally relevant projects aligning with Mr McGregor’s passion for Paediatric Research.
“We are delighted to launch the Bob McGregor Paediatric Research Fund,” Mr Sturges said.
“The fund will aim to support projects which demonstrate high-quality research and innovation techniques that align with Bob’s enthusiasm and approach to the health priorities in the West Moreton region.
“The fund will also aim to recognise and respond to the diverse and growing needs of the West Moreton community.”
Chair of the board, Professor Geraldine Mackenzie said the new fund will aim to recognise and respond to the diverse and growing needs of the West Moreton community.
“Our community encompasses the West Moreton Hospital and Health Service area servicing the City of Ipswich and the Regional Councils of Somerset, Scenic Rim and Lockyer Valley,” said Ms Mackenzie.
“We are grateful to have had Bob on the board servicing these regions for more than 20 years and we wish him all the best with his future endeavours.”
For the past five months, Mr McGregor has been collaborating with the University of Queensland to research the health of children growing up in the 21st century.
“I’m hoping that the funds will go into meaningful research into the rising mental and physical health problems we see now in children and young adolescents,” said Mr McGregor.
“I’m hoping to develop a very strong evidence base to link to the fact that 25 per cent of young people are affected now by mental health.
“This was something I never saw in private practice 47 years ago, and there’s a lot of research to be done.”
Mr McGregor said he will use his spare time to continue his research, spend time with his wife and family, travel in his caravan and pick up his guitar once again.
To donate to The Dr Bob McGregor Paediatric Health Research Fund, visit https://www.ihfoundation.org.au/give/.
