The new Mater Children’s Hospital
As a specialist referral centre for young patients from all over Queensland, northern New South Wales and beyond, Mater Children’s Hospital faced increasing pressure on its services. In order to relieve that strain and ensure it was well equipped to face the medical challenges of the 21st century, a new Mater Children's Hospital was built for non-insured patients, and the Mater Children's Private Hospital was established for private paediatric services.
The new Mater Children’s Hospital had an external façade designed to reflect the essence of Queensland with blue skies and brown land, sparkling seas and tranquil creeks.
Overnight accommodation was provided for parents in every ward and single room and special relaxation areas were created for teenagers. There were indoor and outdoor play areas and ample space for performers to entertain patients in the hospital. In 2003, a bright, light-hearted animal mural was painted on a corridor wall to lead children from ward areas to play areas.
Ceramic tiles designed by children were installed on many walls and all windows and service counters were built at child height.
The new hospital also became the first in Queensland with a Starlight Room contributed by the Starlight Foundation and supported by Australian tennis champion Pat Rafter.
On 12 June 2008, The Queensland Paediatric Cardiac Service was officially opened at Mater Children's Hospital by the Minister for Health, The Hon. Stephen Robertson MP and blessed by the Auxiliary Bishop for Brisbane, The Most Reverend Brian Finnigan, DD.
Queensland Greats
In June 2001, Sister Angela Mary Doyle AO was named a 'Queensland Great' for her outstanding contribution to the Queensland community. Sister Angela Mary Doyle arrived in Brisbane from Ireland in 1948, and was despatched to Mater to train as a nurse. However, hospital administration, rather than nursing administration, was to be her strength and Sister Angela Mary was Administrator of Mater hospitals for 22 years. In response to the continuing need to raise funds for research and new healthcare services, Sister Angela Mary became Executive Director of Mater Trust from 1993 - 1997 and served on the board until 2003. Her recognition as a ‘Queensland Great’ is one of many awards she has received, including Queenslander of the Year (1989), Australian Achiever Award (1990), Order of Australia (1993) and the Premier’s Millennium Award for Excellence in Charity/Welfare.
In June 2002, Professor David Tudehope, Director of Neonatology was also named a Queensland Great for his life-saving work with tiny patients, and for encouraging others to explore new neonatal technologies. A distinguished physician and author, Professor Tudehope had been Mater’s Director of Neonatology since July 1977. During almost 30 years in that position, he and his team of doctors, nurses and surgeons cared for more than 30,000 babies. Mater’s Neonatal Critical Care Unit has grown to become one of the largest within Australia, providing round the clock care to up to 2,000 babies each year.
On 30 May 2006 Premier Peter Beattie named Mater a Queensland Great, an honour normally reserved for individuals, officially recognising Mater as one of Queensland's oldest and most respected healthcare providers.
On 11 June 2009, Dr Robyn Rodwell, Director of Queensland Cord Blood Bank at Mater and Chief Scientist of Haematology Molecular Genetics was named a Queensland Great by the Premier of Queensland Anna Bligh MP.
Mater Private Hospital Brisbane leads the way
In July 2001, Australia's first artificial cervical (neck) disc replacement was successfully performed by a surgical team at Mater Private Hospital Brisbane.
Two years later in 2003, Mater Private Hospital Brisbane commissioned its ninth operating theatre. The theatre, which was the only one of its kind in Australia, was equipped with video technology that allowed surgeons to watch operations performed by visiting international specialists and to link to other venues via teleconferencing technology.
Maternity services expand
In 2004, Mater started a major refurbishment of Mater Adult Hospital to create a contemporary maternity services facility to meet increasing demand. The Queensland Government contributed $111 million to the project, ensuring services for both public and private patients.
Three years later, the new Mater Mothers' hospitals were officially opened and started caring for women and their babies. Today, Mater Mothers’ is the largest maternity services provider in Australia.
Advancing Mater Research
In 2001, Mater Research gained international recognition for the discovery of the MUC13 gene, important to colorectal cancer. Two years later, in 2003, then Queensland Premier, Peter Beattie, launched the Mater Prostate Cancer Research Centre. This pivotal development was made possible by a generous $1 million donation from prominent Brisbane businessman, Bill Siganto.
Mr Siganto's contribution was particularly significant, not just for its substantial financial value, but also for its role in accelerating prostate cancer research at Mater. His philanthropic commitment highlighted the importance of community support in advancing medical research and underscored the growing recognition of Mater's research capabilities. Mr Siganto's donation directly facilitated the establishment of dedicated facilities and resources, enabling researchers to make significant strides in understanding and treating prostate cancer, a disease impacting many Australian men.
Mater Misericordiae Health Services Brisbane
On 1 July 2001, Mater was formally incorporated as Mater Misericordiae Health Services Brisbane, one of the last Catholic hospitals in Australia to be incorporated. The canonical responsibility of Mater Health Services Brisbane Limited including its associated entities: Mater Foundation and Mater Research, was officially transferred from the Sisters of Mercy to Mercy Partners on 23 April 2013. Mercy Partners is a Catholic Church entity established in 2008 following approval from the Vatican and continues to provide governance and oversight, ensuring Mater remains true to its mission and values as a Catholic health and research organisation.