On 2 February 1911, five years after the Sisters of Mercy opened the first Mater Private Hospital at North Quay, Mater Public Hospital opened. The 40-bed hospital was opened without fanfare or special celebrations, and it was supported by fundraising and the proceeds generated by Mater Private Hospital.
The construction and outfitting of the V-shaped building had attracted tremendous community support. The women’s wards were furnished by an anonymous donor and Brisbane’s jockeys and horse trainers furnished the men’s surgical ward.
Many doctors volunteered to serve at the public hospital. In its first ten years, Mater attracted many of Brisbane’s distinguished doctors to its honorary staff. The hospital remained in operation until 1981, when the new Mater Adult Hospital was opened.
A great deal had been accomplished in little more than five years. Mater Private Hospital was a great success and the Sisters’ desire to provide service and compassion to the poor and afflicted had become a reality. Like the Sisters, Brisbane’s medical community and patients had "crossed the river."