Mater’s role during the HIV/AIDS crisis
Driven by its Mission to address unmet healthcare needs in the community, Mater went against public and government sentiment of the day and advocated for HIV patients throughout the 1980s.
When the Queensland AIDS Council issued a call for help, former Mater Hospital administrator Sister Angela Mary answered by providing three houses in South Brisbane where HIV patients could stay free of charge.
Sr Angela Mary and Mater cared for AIDS patients for seven years until a change of government allowed people with HIV to access support from government and community directly.
A new Mater Hospital
In 1988, plans for a new Mater Private Hospital were announced, as continual work was necessary to keep the original Mater Private Hospital building operational. The roof was leaking, more ensuite bathrooms were required and the hospital did not have an adequate isolation area.
While these plans were underway, the Mater Private Priority Emergency Centre—the first in any Queensland private hospital—was opened on 16 September 1989.
Two years later, in 1988, Mater was put on the world stage as the official hospital for World Expo 88.
Establishment of the Mater Health Services Board
In 1987, Mater Health Services Governing Board, empowered to develop policy and make decisions for the hospitals, replaced the Advisory Board. In response to the changing roles of the Sisters, and to develop succession planning, the first 'lay' Chief Executive Officer, Mr Pat McGuire, was appointed.