Mater Services

1831 : Sisters of Mercy founded in Dublin by Catherine McAuley
With the help of a group of like-minded women, heiress Catherine McAuley used her considerable inheritance to open the first House of Mercy in Dublin in 1827, to serve the needs of destitute women and children. The women soon formed a new order, and in 1831 the first Sisters of Mercy were professed.

Nursing the sick was among the activities to be undertaken by the Sisters, as well as educational work, visitation, relief of the poor and care of orphanages and nursing homes. From the outset, nursing formed a core part of the Mercy mission, based on the healing ministry of Jesus. The name Mater Misericordiae translates as 'Mother of Mercy.'

1854 : Sisters of Mercy nurse alongside Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War.
During the Crimean War, Sisters of Mercy from convents in Ireland and England volunteered to nurse the English army, who were suffering appalling neglect in the hospitals of Scutari. Here they worked alongside Florence Nightingale, serving with the Sisters of Charity.

The scandalous treatment of wounded soldiers and the outstanding efforts of the Sisters of Mercy and other nursing nuns active at the Crimea provided important inspiration for Nightingale's military and civilian nursing service, as well as a legacy of care which continues to this day.

1865 : Establishment of the Sisters of Mercy, North Sydney
In 1865 Sisters of Mercy from Liverpool, England arrived in Australia and took up residence in the Rocks area at St Patrick's Church Hill. Ten years later, under the guidance of Mother Mary Ignatius McQuoin, they opened a convent at Monte Sant' Angelo, North Sydney and established this as the head house of the congregation.

The objectives of the new order were stated as "charitable nursing of the indigent, sick and tuition of the young."

1906 : Opening of the Mater Misericordiae Hospital for Women and Children
Responding to a request from Cardinal Moran, Mother Aloysius purchased the vacated Royal North Shore district hospital on Lane Cove Road (now Pacific Highway) and the same year opened the Mater Misericordiae Hospital for Women and Children.

The hospital had 12 beds and 12 cots and was under the competent direction of Matron S. M. Walshe who trained the first nursing Sisters of Mercy.

The Sisters relied on the charity of the local community to support the hospital, which provided assistance for anyone who needed medical or nursing aid irrespective of their religious beliefs.

1911 : Sisters purchase Wenona for use as private hospital.
Due to the rising demand for hospital accommodation, the Sisters purchased a property called Wenona on Lane Cove road, North Sydney. Following renovations, the hospital opened in 1912 with 25 beds for men and women.

The new private hospital was used as a means of supplementing the charitable activity of the public hospital, allowing the public hospital to greatly expand its services.

1914 : Mater General (Public) Hospital opens
With a steady income from the Private Hospital established, the Sisters decided to move the General Hospital up the Pacific Highway and next to the Private Hospital.

The new hospital housed 63 beds and served men, women and children.

With its non sectarian policy and active community role the hospital received wide support and became a valued institution whose services were in considerable demand.

1925-1936 : Ongoing upgrades and additions to both hospitals
Between 1925 and 1936 both hospitals were considerably expanded to meet the increased demand for care, and accommodate changes in medical practice.

The General Hospital added 80 beds and built two new wings in this time, as well as adding X-ray, a dispensary and a nurses home to its facilities.

The Mater Private Hospital also underwent additions, increasing the number of beds to 78.

1941 : Opening of the Mater Maternity Hospital
In September 1941, in keeping with the philosophy of the Sisters of Mercy to work with women and children, a Maternity Hospital was established in Rocklands Road opposite the General Hospital.

From 1940 until the closure of the Maternity Hospital in 1982, about 70,000 babies were born.

The hospital also offered special care for unmarried mothers by assisting with accommodation before the birth and the adoption process, and treating them with considerable dignity and kindness.

1946-1968 : Establishment of community projects and upgrading of facilities
During this period the Mater established and operated community services projects, including the Home Care Service and Meals on Wheels. The hospital also became renowned for its work in haemodialysis.

Operating theatres were added, along with kitchen and dining facilities.

Due to government funding increases, the Mater also changed from being a Catholic community hospital to a public institution.


1968 : Mater Hospital established as a Teaching Hospital In response to increased demand for certified nursing staff, the Mater became affiliated with the University of Sydney in 1968. With this change in status, the Mater was able to develop some areas of special expertise.A Renal dialysis unit, funded by the Fairfax Foundation, was added in 1969.


1983 : Government forces closure of the Mater General Hospital Due to the withdrawal of government funding, amongst other things, the Mater General Hospital was forced to close in 1983, accompanied by much community protest. Services and facilities were moved to nearby hospitals, including the Mater Private Hospital.

1990 :Opening of the new Private Mater Hospital
Once the dust of the closure of the old hospital had settled, a new private facility was built at Rocklands Road, with 187 beds, 33 maternity beds, 8 operating theatres and 10 bed renal unit.

Supporting the new hospital was the Mater Foundation, launched in September 1990 to raise funds for charitable projects. Its purpose was stated as to: "provide financial and moral support for people who want to work together creatively for the elimination of poverty and injustice."

2001 and beyond: The Mater continues to thrive
For nearly a century, the long standing tradition of excellent care which has always been a hallmark of the Mater is reflected in the commitment of the Sisters and staff in maintaining a spirit of hospitality, friendliness and community which we believe is unsurpassed in hospital care.

From January 2001 the Sisters of Mercy agreed to merge the Mater Hospital, North Sydney with the St Vincents Private and Public Hospitals, Darlinghurst. The merged entities are now St Vincents & Mater Health Sydney Limited.