Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children marks milestone 150-year anniversary
Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, now known as SickKids Hospital, has a rich history that dates back 150 years. It all started in 1875 when a group of women, led by Elizabeth McMaster, rented an 11-room house with six iron cots to admit and treat sick children. The first patient, a young girl named Maggie with a badly scalded arm, marked the beginning of what would become a renowned institution.
At a recent event celebrating SickKids’ milestone anniversary, Maryjane Leonard, McMaster’s descendant, reflected on her great-great grandmother’s legacy. Leonard emphasized the importance of continuing McMaster’s work and expressed pride in the hospital’s evolution over the years.
Throughout its history, SickKids has achieved numerous milestones. In 1930, researchers at the hospital invented Pablum, a nutritious infant food. The hospital established one of the first pediatric intensive care units in North America in 1968 and successfully separated conjoined twins in 1971. In 1998, SickKids launched North America’s first pediatric multi-organ transplant program, and in 2009, it performed Canada’s first cardiac surgery in utero.
The hospital’s dedication to innovation and excellence has continued into the 21st century. In 2022, SickKids doctors conducted Canada’s first total artificial heart implant surgery in a child, showcasing their commitment to pushing boundaries in pediatric care.
At the anniversary celebration, patients, families, staff, and politicians gathered to commemorate the hospital’s achievements. Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow joined the festivities, adding their support to the occasion.
One of the patients, Nori Cheong, a 10-year-old battling cancer, expressed her gratitude for the exceptional care she receives at SickKids. Cheong highlighted the kindness and comfort provided by the hospital staff, emphasizing that they make her feel at home during her treatments.
Dr. Ronald Cohn, SickKids’ president and CEO, praised the hospital’s legacy of exceptional medical care, research, and education. Looking ahead, he emphasized the hospital’s commitment to personalized care for every child, utilizing data to tailor treatment plans based on individual needs.
As the anniversary celebrations continue, landmarks like the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and Niagara Falls will illuminate in blue to honor SickKids Hospital’s 150 years of dedication to pediatric health.
With a legacy rooted in compassion and innovation, SickKids Hospital stands as a beacon of hope for children and families in need of specialized care. As it embarks on its next chapter, the hospital remains committed to advancing pediatric medicine and providing world-class treatment for generations to come.
