Toronto General Hospital

Toronto General Hospital 1856-1913

There are two plaques about this hospital.
Both can be seen on this page.

Photos by Alan L Brown - Posted August, 2007

Photo Source - Wikimedia Commons

Here, on College Street east of University Avenue, is this Ontario Heritage Trust plaque which says:

Plaque coordinates: 43.660033 -79.389383

This institution, the first general infirmary in Upper Canada, began operation in 1829. It was periodically hampered by administrative and financial difficulties but through the initiative of the influential businessman, Sir Joseph Flavelle, Chairman of its Board of Trustees (1904-21), services were reorganized and steps taken for the construction here of a new hospital. Designed by the firm of Darling & Pearson, it was begun in 1911 and officially opened two years later. Toronto General Hospital quickly moved to the forefront of Canadian medicine as an outstanding teaching and research centre. In association with the University of Toronto, Connaught Laboratories and other institutions, it achieved international recognition in the fields of radiology, heart surgery, and the treatment of diabetes, arthritis, and kidney and vascular disease.

Photos by Alan L Brown - Posted August, 2007

Photo Source - Canadian Heritage Gallery

On a rock at 70 Spruce Street can be found a 1979 Toronto Historical Board plaque which says:

Plaque coordinates: 43.664220 -79.363491

In the area bounded by Sumach, Gerrard, Sackville and Spruce streets, the Toronto General Hospital opened in 1856. It replaced the original hospital at King and John Streets. Designed by architect Wm. Hay, and constructed of local white brick with decorative stonework, the four storey building had five imposing towers along its facade. The operating theatre was in the centre and there were eighteen wards. With additions for the Burnside Lying-In Hospital for maternity cases, and the Mercer Eye and Ear Infirmary, the hospital had 400 beds. Financial difficulties closed the hospital for a year in 1867. It was used for teaching medical students from three universities and three other medical schools. Its school of nursing was opened in 1831, the second to be established in Canada.

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Here are the visitors' comments for this page.

Posted November 5, 2010
I had a kidney/pancreas transplant here some years ago. I can't say enough good things about the professionalism of its staff.

Posted October 20, 2009
What kind of medical treatment was available before the Toronto General Hospital was built? Did they serve on the local medical or hospital board? Who were the earliest nurses, where did they come from, what training did they have, and what work did they do? Describe the establishment of the Toronto General Hospital.
Plesase email me these answers. Thanking you kindly in advance. Parkview800@rogers.com

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