Mercy Court was blessed by Bishop Denis Browne and opened by Minister of Health Tony Ryall on 12 December. The expansion adds 16 hospital beds to services at Atawhai Mercy Assisi Home and Hospital in Hamilton.

In her welcome address Congregation Leader Anne Campbell noted the contribution of Nga Whaea Atawhai Sisters of Mercy in health and aged care since the congregation was founded in Dublin, Ireland in 1831.

Originally opened as St Frances of Assisi Rest Home in 1971 the facility will celebrate 40 years of service to the people of Hamilton and the Waikato in 2011.  The name Atawhai Mercy Assisi honours both the Franciscan heritage and the contribution of Sisters of Mercy since 1993.

Pictured at the opening are Dennis Wood, Chairperson Mercy Healthcare Board, Tony Ryall, Minister of Health, Anne Campbell, Congregation Leader, Judy Hindrup, CEO Atawhai Mercy Assisi and Peter Buckland, CEO Mercy Healthcare.