Welcome to Mater's website. On this site you can find out more about our Mission, our Values, and our Vision. These three elements are this organisation's inspiration. They define what we do, why we do it, and how we do it. The "it" is healthcare, across a myriad of specialities, a widely spread diverse population and a range of different iconic hospitals and community services—each with a passion for exceptional service and a commitment to the highest standards of quality and safety.
On this website you can find out about the basis for this inspiration—Mater's founders, the Brisbane Congregation of the Sister of Mercy.
The development of Mater Misericordiae Health Services in Brisbane from a 20-bed private hospital to a world class group of seven hospitals and a research institute is a remarkable story. It is a story of faith, courage and innovation from its beginning in 1906, to the present day. The 2006 centenary year provided us with opportunity to honour and remember the great women and men who, with giant leaps of faith and trust in Divine Providence, pioneered Mater hospitals in Brisbane. Mater's history is one of courage, conviction, dedication and selfless service. Risk-taking, strong leadership, administrative skill, professional expertise and sound financial planning have led to significant developments in medical, scientific and clinical practice. Our centenary year enabled us to look back with pride and to look to the future with hope.
Mater staff are committed to assuring the sustainability and integrity of the Mercy ministry as we respond to change; to a shared vision and common core values; to be people who are ready to engage in rigorous ethical discernment about resource allocation and strategic opportunities; and to be people with a passionate concern for the poor and marginalized in our society.
What else makes this organisation great—in fact the only institution ever to be declared a "Queensland Great"?
There are, of course, the vital ingredients like effective strategic and business plans, capable, dedicated, well-trained and supported staff. Each of these elements is integral to the achievement of organisational greatness. For the past 100 years, Mater has made its mark as a "whole of health care" provider—pursuing innovation and excellence in every service it delivers and striving to address unmet needs. Despite our long history, change and development have not occurred at the expense of Mater's original Mission and values. It has occurred in concert with them.
We have a strong and vibrant Board of Directors, providing leadership and governance for Mater Misericordiae Health Services Brisbane Limited. Mater has an outstanding team of executive staff, and an innovative organisational structure. We are supported by a strong community-based fundraising Mater Foundation.
Recent events and changes to create a strong future for Mater, while at all times remaining committed to our Mission include:
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advocacy for and provision of services targeting the poor and disadvantaged
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expansion of services in which Mater has unique expertise, such as the A$55 million commitment to rebuild Mater Mothers' Private Hospital
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expansion of Mater's staff training and development to emphasise values-based leadership and care, in conjunction with outstanding professional and technical skills
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continued commitment to be Australia's safest hospitals for patients and staff alike
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improved access to services by developing more services closer to areas of need
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Dr John O'Donnell
CEO, Mater Health Services