Two major hospitals owned and managed by two different religious congregations, the Sisters of Charity and the Sisters of Mercy, merged in an equal partnership of management to form St Vincents & Mercy Private Hospital in 1998.
The merger provided a unique opportunity to create a new health care facility whilst maintaining the values and mission of the Sisters of Charity and the Sisters of Mercy. It represented a significant milestone in the history of Catholic health care and formed one of the largest Catholic private hospitals in Australia.
The Sisters of Charity and the Sisters of Mercy have nursed the people of Melbourne for over 70 years. Both orders have similar pasts, which reflect a similar vision, mission and values. Mary Aikenhead established the first St. Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin, Ireland, and founded the Sisters of Charity in 1815. Catherine McAuley was born in Dublin, Ireland, and founded the Sisters of Mercy in 1831.
The objective of both the Sisters of Charity and the Sisters of Mercy is to promote the healing ministry of Christ and to create one of the most well equipped private hospitals in Australia. Our Founding Orders wish to be recognised for their leadership in compassionate care, healing and serving people with special needs.
The Sisters’ emphasis in the primacy of patients’ needs has earned them a reputation for excellence. It has also ensured a ‘family network’ of devotees from all religious affiliations among those who have benefited from their care. Through the development of St Vincents & Mercy Private Hospital, the Sisters and all their staff aim to continue the tradition of providing responsive and innovative health care.
