Canberra Catholics and staff of Calvary Public Hospital grieved as the compulsory acquisition of Calvary by the ACT Government took effect on 3 July.

The ACT Government took over the Catholic-run hospital from midnight, ending a five-week battle to save it from the takeover — including a failed Supreme Court challenge.

Now named North Canberra Hospital, all of the crucifixes and other religious symbols were removed and staff given unbranded uniforms to wear.

Most of the 1800 staff remain at the hospital, having switched their employer to Canberra Health Services, The Canberra Times reported.

At a farewell gathering on 1 July attended by the remaining Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, the congregation that established the hospital, members of staff expressed sadness that the symbol for Christ would be removed from above the building’s entrance.

Intensive Care clinical supervisor and educator Megan Reynolds told the Canberra Catholic Voice that looking up at the cross each day upon entering the building had given staff “the courage to keep going”, especially during the peak of the COVID pandemic.

“There was a lot of strength that came from that, and you don’t have to be Catholic to need that,” she said.