This extraordinary statistic gives some indication of the depth of the Mater's penetration into the Queensland community. But the Mater Mother's is only one of the seven hospitals in the Brisbane Mater group. Expressions of Mercytells the lively story of the development of the Mater hospitals, beginning with the establishment of the first hospital in 1906. It is the story of the determined Sisters of Mercy, who set out to prove to the Queensland government that their hospitals could provide Queenslanders with medical services of the highest quality. The community never needed convincing- the Mater hospitals were always full. Today, with three public and four private hospitals, and an international reputation, the Mater cares for more than half a million patients each year. The fascinating story of the hospitals is told against a backdrop of social, political and medical changes, as well as changes in the Church and among the Sisters of Mercy. Featuring dozens of illustrations, Expressions of Mercyadds a new dimension to Queensland's medical history and will bring back memories to the millions of patients, nurses and doctors touched by the Mater's special approach to health care.