Archived News Item

Newcastle Mater Handover

December 7, 2006

On November 9, the Sisters of Mercy, Singleton formally ended their eighty-five year ownership of the Newcastle Mater Misericordiae Hospital. In a ceremony held in the nearby church, Sister Berice Livermore, Congregation Leader, welcomed Little Company of Mary (LCM) Health Care as the new owners. On its behalf Sister Jennifer Barrow, Leader of the Little Company of Mary, accepted the responsibility for the ongoing provision of health care to the people of the Hunter-New England area.

 

The Mater beginnings were very much in the Mercy tradition of setting up a work and trusting in God for its continuance. The original sisters had no background in health but, through hard work and dedication, began the development of a facility that became known for the excellence of its care, specially in the area of obstetrics. Many Novocastrians proudly wore their t-shirts proclaiming they had been “˜born smarter at the Mater’.

 

Over recent years the services offered by the Mater have changed. It is now, among other things, a centre for the treatment of and research into cancer. It operates the Mercy Hospice and, in purpose-built villa units, provides accommodation for patients and their carers who live at a distance from Newcastle.

 

Though it was a sad parting for the Singleton Mercies they are confident that, with values that so closely resemble those of the Mater, LCM Health Care will keep the Mercy spirit alive as it introduces its own spirit of the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary.

 

From: Sister Margaret Sinclair RSM (Local Communications Facilitator)

 

Email: margaret.sinclair@hunterlink.net.au