Mother Patrick’s death in 1927 brought to the fore Mother Alban Salmon, a shrewd and determined leader with a strong sense of direction. Born in Ireland in 1880, Mother Salmon came to Queensland in November 1902. After teaching in various Sisters of Mercy schools, Sister Mary Alban was Mistress of Novices until she became Superior for the first time in 1923.

Mother Alban’s vision was to ensure that Mater became a clinical school for the University of Queensland’s Faculty of Medicine. This dream became a reality in 1949. Part of the strategy in achieving this goal was the announcement in 1946 of the construction of a maternity hospital. By providing training in obstetrics for Mater’s resident medical officers, the hospital elevated Mater campus into a large and complex hospital system, entrenching it as a vital part of Queensland’s hospital network.