The Toronto Hospital is one of the largest acute care teaching hospitals
in Canada with close to 1,200 beds. It was formed in 1986 with the merger
of The Toronto General Hospital
and The Toronto Western Hospital.
General Division
Western Division
Toronto General can claim its roots back to a small wooden shed in York,
(now known as Toronto). That shed served as the military hospital during
the war of 1812 with the United States.
At that time the Loyal and Patriotic Society was formed by a small group
of citizens. Their aim was to provide comforts for the militia and their
families. After the war the society decided to award gold and silver medals
for gallantry. Difficulties arose, now shrouded in history, as to who should
get these medals. As none of the medals were ever awarded, a decision was
made to melt them down to raise money to be added to a fund to build a civilian
hospital.
The York General Hospital opened on June 3, 1829 on King Street between
John Street and Peter Street. Requiring more space, a larger hospital was
opened in 1856 at Gerrard and Parliament.
The present site, at College and University Avenue was opened in 1913.
Toronto Western had its beginnings in 1894 when a group of twelve
doctors met for the purpose of establishing a hospital in the west end of
Toronto. They signed a pledge of support to establish the "Western"
hospital on one of Dr. George H. Carveth's prescription pads.
The doctors were the staff of the Western Free Dispensary, which was a store-front
clinic for patients in need.
Lack of funds delayed the opening of the hospital until 1896. Its first
site was a semi-detached house, which still stands, at 393-395 Manning Avenue.
In 1899 a farmhouse was acquired at 399 Bathurst Street, (the hospital's
present site). After renovations the farmhouse accommodated about 38 patients.
As more space was needed desperately, Dr. George H. Carveth suggested the
erection of tents to expand the hospital. The tent hospital was a success,
and was in use, year round, from 1905 to 1911.
Women were involved from the beginning in the founding of the hospital.
Dr. Augusta Stowe Gullen, Canada's first female medical graduate, was appointed
to the consulting staff of the hospital. She also founded the Auxiliary's
predecessor, the "Womens Board", in 1897 and was its president
until 1926. Her mother, Dr. Emily Stowe was the first woman to practice
medicine in Canada.
Toronto Western Hospital has the oldest Auxiliary in Toronto.
Return to The Toronto Hospital Home page