Another highlight of Mary's leadership was the progress she made toward the transfer of nursing education to university. In a final interview with the ANJ in July this year, Mary said she remained convinced about the merits of the transfer to university. 'It was a very difficult battle because there were so many people against it ... but I have no doubt it was the right thing to do,' she said.
ANF Federal Secretary Jill Iliffe said Ms Patten had left a wonderful legacy at the ANF for nurses throughout Australia. 'Every nurse has benefited from her efforts to develop nursing as a profession.'