On 29 November 2014, after providing exceptional care to Queensland children for more than 83 years, Mater Children’s Hospital closed, and government-funded paediatric services transitioned to Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital.
Mater continues to offer paediatric services for privately-insured patients through Mater Children’s Private Brisbane and will enhance services for young people through Queensland’s first dedicated adolescent and young adult health service. Mater Mothers’ Hospitals will continue to grow and deliver the highest standards of maternity and neonatal care.
Past and future reflected in new building names
Following the closure of Mater Children’s Hospital, and to reflect on our rich heritage and links with our founders, the Sisters of Mercy, two buildings on ‘Mater Hill’ were renamed on 29 November 2014.
The Mater Children’s Hospital building and Mater Corporate Services Building were renamed to commemorate the significance and vision of Mother Alban Salmon and Mother Damian Duncombe OBE.
The Mater Children’s Hospital building was renamed as the Salmon Building (in memory of Mother Alban Salmon, 1880 to 1951) and the Mater Corporate Services Building became the Duncombe Building (in memory of Mother Damian Duncombe OBE, 1899 to 1980).
Mater Research celebrates its 15th anniversary
On 4 March 2014, Mater Research, formerly Mater Medical Research Institute, celebrated its 15th anniversary. From humble beginnings, with just 10 staff, Mater Research has grown into internationally-recognised institute with many original research programs attracting top scientists from around the globe and more than 250 research staff, postgraduate students and honorary clinical researchers.
Mater Centre for Neurosciences opens
Mater’s proud neurosciences history began in 1954 with the formation of Queensland’s first neurosurgery department with Dr Peter Landy as physician and Dr Geoff Toakley as neurosurgeon.
Today, Mater’s commitment to neurosurgery is still evident through its adoption of state-of-the-art technology and clinical practices.
In June 2015, Mater opened the Mater Centre for Neurosciences. From one dedicated location Mater Centre for Neurosciences provides specialist care for stroke, epilepsy, neurosurgery, neurology and spinal surgery.
Expanding beyond Mater Hill
In December 2015, Mater Private Hospital Springfield was officially opened by His Excellency, the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Governor of Queensland, and blessed by the Most Reverend Mark Coleridge, Archbishop of Brisbane.