For more than 165 years, St Vincent’s has played a defining role in shaping Australia’s healthcare and aged care system. Since opening its first hospital in 1857, founded by the Sisters of Charity, the organisation has been at the forefront of medical advancement, compassionate service, and community care.

From its earliest days, St Vincent’s was built on a mission to serve those most in need — particularly individuals experiencing poverty, vulnerability, or social disadvantage. That founding commitment continues to guide every aspect of its work today.

A Legacy of Service and Innovation

Over more than a century and a half, St Vincent’s has contributed to some of Australia’s most significant healthcare milestones. Its people — clinicians, researchers, caregivers, and support teams — have helped pioneer clinical improvements and health equity initiatives that have strengthened the national system.

Today, St Vincent’s is Australia’s largest not-for-profit provider of integrated health and aged care services. Its network spans public and private hospitals, residential aged care facilities, research institutes, and community programs — positioning the organisation as a comprehensive contributor to Australia’s evolving healthcare landscape.

Key Facts at a Glance

• 2 Public Hospitals
• 10 Private Hospitals
• 25 Residential Aged Care Facilities
• 6 Co-located Research Institutes and Partner Facilities
• 30,000 Staff and Volunteers
• 165+ Years of Service

These figures reflect not only scale, but a sustained commitment to accessible, high-quality healthcare.

Our Mission

St Vincent’s expresses its faith-based heritage through compassionate healing and service. The organisation is particularly committed to supporting individuals who are disadvantaged, marginalised, or at risk of poor health outcomes.

This mission continues to shape service delivery, leadership decisions, and long-term strategic priorities.

Our Vision

St Vincent’s envisions a healthcare system where every person — regardless of background or circumstance — receives excellent, compassionate care.

The organisation strives to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable health and aged care system across Australia.

How St Vincent’s Delivers on Its Mission

Public Hospitals

Through its public hospital network and associated health services, St Vincent’s delivers high-quality acute and specialist care to diverse communities. These hospitals serve individuals from all walks of life, ensuring equitable access to essential health services.

Private Hospitals

St Vincent’s private hospitals are internationally recognised for patient-centred clinical care. Each year, thousands of patients benefit from evidence-based treatment delivered in a supportive and professional environment.

Residential Aged Care

The organisation provides aged care services designed to support both physical health and emotional wellbeing. Services include:

• Clinical and nursing care
• Leisure and lifestyle programs
• Comfortable residential environments
• Holistic wellbeing initiatives

The focus remains on dignity, independence, and quality of life.

Medical Research

St Vincent’s integrates clinical practice with research excellence. Its researchers and healthcare professionals collaborate to advance treatments and improve patient outcomes. This translational approach ensures that research findings directly inform real-world care.

Health Equity Programs

A longstanding priority for St Vincent’s is supporting vulnerable populations. The organisation provides targeted programs for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance dependence, and other barriers to healthcare access.

Advocacy and community outreach are central to these efforts.

Virtual and Home Care Services

Recognising the evolving nature of healthcare delivery, St Vincent’s continues to expand its home-based and virtual services. Through telehealth, home visits, and digital monitoring technologies, patients across metropolitan, rural, and regional Australia can access care beyond hospital settings.

This flexibility enhances accessibility while supporting continuity of care.

Our Core Values

St Vincent’s values shape its organisational culture and service approach.

Compassion

Care is delivered with empathy, respect, and presence. Every interaction is grounded in understanding and human connection.

Integrity

Transparency and ethical decision-making guide leadership and clinical practice.

Justice

Advocating for equitable access to healthcare empowers the organisation to act courageously on behalf of those in need.

Excellence

Services are evidence-based, safe, and continuously improved to meet the highest standards.