The history of medicine in Toronto spans centuries, paralleling the city’s growth and development of healthcare institutions. Today, we delve into Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (SHSC), a leading academic health sciences centre with extensive programs aimed at treating local residents. Learn more about its creation and evolution on toronto1.one.

From Military Orthopedic Hospital to Modern Healthcare Institution

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre traces its roots back to 1919, initially serving as the Toronto Military Orthopedic Hospital, located in a former National Cash Register factory. The hospital treated injured soldiers during World War I and later expanded during World War II to meet increasing needs. This expansion highlighted the necessity of a new facility, leading to the establishment of Sunnybrook on donated land.

Prominent philanthropists Joseph and Alice M. Kilgour purchased over 62 hectares in Toronto’s suburbs to create Sunnybrook Farm, a property used for horse breeding and fox hunting. Upon Joseph Kilgour’s death in 1928, Alice donated the land to the City of Toronto to serve as a public park. However, during wartime, the land was repurposed for a new hospital. Construction began in 1946, and the facility opened its doors to patients in 1948. The previous hospital site was converted into the Lambert Lodge senior care home.

Growth and Development

• 1973: Sunnybrook Military Hospital transitioned into Sunnybrook Medical Centre. A year later, it established Canada’s first regional trauma centre, which later became the country’s largest and the first Level I trauma centre outside the United States to achieve accreditation.
• 1998: Sunnybrook merged with the Women’s College Hospital and the Orthopaedic & Arthritic Hospital. By 2006, these partnerships culminated in the creation of the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, with Women’s College Hospital eventually becoming an independent institution.
• 2012: Sunnybrook integrated with St. John’s Rehab Hospital to offer a continuum of care, from acute injury or illness to rehabilitation and recovery.

Comprehensive Patient Programs

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre provides a wide range of medical programs designed to address diverse patient needs:

1. Veterans Program: As Canada’s largest facility for veteran care, Sunnybrook collaborates with Veterans Affairs Canada to offer long-term and complex hospital care to approximately 500 veterans of World War II and the Korean War. Services include physical and cognitive support as well as palliative care.
2. Neurosciences Program: Through its Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook conducts research and treatment for brain-related conditions, including strokes and dementia.
3. Holland Musculoskeletal Program: This program offers advanced care for musculoskeletal injuries, including trauma treatment, joint reconstruction and replacement, rehabilitation, and sports injury management. Complex surgeries on both upper and lower extremities are also performed here.
4. DAN Women & Babies Program: This program covers prenatal care, childbirth, postnatal care, and gynecological services. It includes a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for newborns requiring intensive medical attention.
5. Schulich Heart Program: Named after renowned businessman and philanthropist Seymour Schulich, this program provides cardiovascular care, including treatment, prevention, and heart surgeries.
6. Odette Cancer Program: This comprehensive cancer care program offers prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and patient education, alongside clinical trials covering cancer genetics, biochemistry, and biology.
7. St. John’s Rehab Program: Focused on post-illness rehabilitation, this program aids patients recovering from severe conditions, such as amputations, cancer, cardiovascular surgery, organ transplants, orthopedic diseases, strokes, and neurological disorders.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is at the forefront of medical research, focusing on oncology, neurosciences, and traumatology. The facility seamlessly integrates treatment, education, and innovation, making it one of Canada’s premier healthcare institutions.

Sunnybrook’s combination of diverse patient programs and its commitment to advancing medical technology and treatment ensures it remains a beacon of excellence in Canadian healthcare.

Sources:

• https://sunnybrook.ca/content
• https://health.sunnybrook.ca/magazine
• https://skiesmag.com