Gail O'Brien is the wife of late celebrated cancer surgeon, Professor Chris O'Brien AO, and the mother of three children—Adam, Juliette and James.

A health professional of 40 years, Gail trained in physiotherapy and is skilled in a diverse range of therapies including orthopaedic rehabilitation, gerontology, and women's health. For 20 years she was practice manager of Chris' large head and neck surgical practice at Royal Prince Alfred and St George Private Hospitals.

From 2002 Gail led fundraising efforts for the Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH). Founded by Chris, the SHNCI was Australia's first multidisciplinary head and neck cancer unit. It now enjoys an international reputation thanks to its research and international fellowship program. Gail led the SHNCI’s fundraising efforts for years and remains a founding member of its Steering Committee. 

From 2003 Gail's fundraising expanded to the Sydney Cancer Centre (SCC) based at RPAH, where she joined a group of impassioned and committed supporters. 

As Director of the SCC and Cancer Services for the Sydney South West Area Health Service, Chris became the driving force behind a plan to transform the facility into a world-class comprehensive cancer centre.

Tragically, in 2006, Chris was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. However he turned his personal adversity into national opportunity by using his illness to campaign harder for funding and build the case for the first comprehensive cancer centre for New South Wales.

Throughout the two-and-a-half years of his illness, Gail was Chris' full-time carer and worked closely with him to support his efforts to develop the vision. 

Chris died in 2009 and was honoured with a State Funeral. 

Since then, Gail has not only maintained her commitment to improved cancer care and the establishment of the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, but in the midst of her grief (for her husband and also her eldest son, Adam, who died suddenly in 2011 from undiagnosed epilepsy) she stepped forward to fill the gap left by Chris' death, joining the Board of Directors and taking on the role of steward for the culture and vision of Chris O'Brien Lifehouse.

Today, she continues to serve as an active member of the Board of Directors, public advocate and spokesperson, patron of the Bequest Society, and member of the Chris O'Brien Foundation. She works in the hospital on a day-to-day basis in an executive role as patient advocate.

Chris O’Brien Lifehouse (COBL) is a comprehensive cancer centre located in the University of Sydney and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital precinct in Sydney, Australia.

Its mission is to improve the quality of life of cancer patients, carers and their families by advancing the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, cure and prevention of the disease. 

Chris O'Brien Lifehouse represents a unique model of care and funding in Australia, as a private hospital that is a not-for-profit, independent, charitable institution treating public and private patients. It has no shareholders and income is reinvested for the benefit of patients.

Modelled on similar world-class comprehensive cancer centres, COBL is the first facility of its kind in New South Wales.

As Chris O'Brien envisioned, COBL is a purpose built, state-of-the-art complex that offers everything a cancer patient needs in one place, from surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy to allied health, education, complementary therapies and psychosocial support. It also conducts teaching and research.

Comprehensive cancer centres have been shown to produce better clinical outcomes and significantly reduce the challenges faced by people suffering from cancer.

Within this structure, COBL offers integrated and holistic therapies which provide non-clinical services such as acupuncture, massage, nutrition, medication, and exercise to improve treatment and recovery outcomes.

Chris O'Brien Lifehouse →