St Vincent’s: Our place in history – and the future
Our dedicated staff and patients require tomorrow’s facilities, today. As we look to the future, a new 12-level building will provide technological innovation to deliver state-of-the-art healthcare.
OUR story is deeply connected to our place – Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia. It features inspired people doing extraordinary things, highly skilled specialists, medical, nursing and support staff dedicated to healing the sick and caring for the vulnerable.
In 1972, the private hospital first opened in Fitzroy; and it was then ahead of its time. After 50 years of alterations and adaptations, the facility is in need of redevelopment to meet community growth and provide high-quality healthcare for more people living with critical illnesses.
Sister Fabian Elliott, a nurse at St Vincent’s and a member of the Sisters of Charity, was instrumental in bringing the dream of St Vincent’s Private Hospital to life. She secured the support of the Melbourne business community, philanthropic families and the premier of Victoria, Sir Henry Bolte, to make her vision a reality.
To build the hospital, a loan of a huge sum of $4 million had to be approved by the Vatican. At the time, this was the largest single sum to which it had ever committed itself. Led by Melbourne businessman Maurice Shmith, a major figure in Melbourne’s retail motor car industry, a group of mainly non-Catholic men arranged for the sisters to borrow the money.
Known as a formidable woman, Sister Fabian personally made sure the hospital design maintained a keen focus on patients’ needs and comfort, while ensuring the hospital’s equipment and facilities were well ahead of their time.
“This is not just a hospital; it is a network of humanity working together to serve our people. This new building means our doctors, nurses and other staff can provide the best possible care for the people entrusted to us. Better facilities means better care for all,” commented Prof Maryanne Confoy RSC (Religious Sister of Charity), SVHA (St Vincent’s Health Australia) board and capital campaign.
Your gift can build a better future for healthcare
Our story is one of inspired people doing great things, of highly skilled specialists. Medical, nursing and support staff all dedicated to healing the sick and caring for the vulnerable.
Your story may have already started with us, through the medical care we have given to you and your loved ones.
Our dedicated staff and patients require tomorrow’s facilities, today. As we look to the future, a new 12-level building will provide technological innovation to deliver state-of-the-art healthcare.
Together we can build a living legacy for your family
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity exists to leave a lasting legacy. Your family’s name could be featured on the new tower at St Vincent’s Private, prominently positioned on Victoria and Brunswick Streets in Fitzroy. There are also options to name rooms, floors, operating theatres and gardens. To find out more, visit stvdevelopment.org.au. Donate before June 30. All financial gifts to the campaign are tax deductible.
Become a member of the Donor Care Program
Significant donors to the campaign will become members of the St Vincent’s Foundation Victoria Donor Care Program. This program provides donors and their family with a number of non-medical benefits. Members are given the peace of mind that St Vincent’s Foundation Victoria will support them on their healthcare journey.
To become part of a unique moment in the history of St Vincent’s history, contact Cameron Smith on 0431 079 906 or cameron.smith@svha.org.au
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