Plans are announced for a new Mater Private Hospital, the Mater Private Priority Emergency Centre opens and Mater continues to go above and beyond.

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.

A new Mater Private 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.

Going above and beyond

Always committed to meeting unmet need, Mater went against public and government sentiment to commence provision of social and medical services for HIV/AIDS patients in 1986.

Two years later, in 1988, Mater was put on the world stage as the official hospital for World Expo 88.  

Mater would like to acknowledge Helen Gregory, author of Expressions of Mercy. Mater has used information, as appropriate, from this publication to support the creation of this content.