11 June 1926 – 5 June 2010
“I began nursing at Mater on Friday 13 January 1942 when Mater Hill was covered in grass, there was a fish pond and seats overhung with branches and vine.” Sr Eileen Pollard.
Sister Eileen Pollard started her nursing training at Mater at age 15 and later took her vows as a Sister of Mercy. Her religious name was Sister Mary Gerada.
Sister Eileen spent more than 60 years living and working within the Mater community. She was a devoted nurse, radiographer, nurse educator, the co-ordinator of the first accreditation of Mater hospitals and recipient of many awards including the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2006.
Sister Eileen’s pupils, the nurses, were always her main concern; she made it her business to know them personally and to give them support and friendship.
In 1986, Sister Eileen was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her experience led her to become aware of the personal stories and experiences of her fellow sufferers and their families. With true compassion she visited cancer patients in hospital and at home and worked tirelessly to raise funds for the Cancer Council.
Sister Eileen was a member of both Mater Past Nurses Association and Mater Nursing and Midwifery Alumni. She also represented the Sisters of Mercy on the alumni council.
Two days before she passed away, Cheryl Clayton and Jackie North told Sister Eileen that the alumni had plans to establish an award in the area of oncology in her name.
We reflect with thanks on all that Sister Eileen brought to Mater.
If you would like to support the Mater Nursing and Midwifery Alumni award in Sister Eileen’s name, please contact Jackie North at Mater Foundation on 07 3163 8000.