The adult services at GSH are complemented by the tertiary paediatric services at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.

In 1956 the hospital opened its doors as a dedicated and highly specialised children's healthcare facility. It was intended as a living memorial for soldiers who died in WWII.

The Associated Academic Hospitals are integral components of the Health Service of the Provincial Government of the Western Cape. The main functions of the hospital are to provide patient care (especially at tertiary and higher levels), teaching and research.

A highly specialised private hospital, the UCT Private Academic Hospital is located within Groote Schuur Hospital but is administered separately by Netcare.