The Alumnae Association of the School of Nursing

We can only imagine what life was like for some in the Toronto of the mid-1870’s. We do know that poverty and disease  motivated Elizabeth McMaster and her friends to improve the lives of families and children living in squalid conditions with unsafe water and no toilet facilities.  With pneumonia, scarlet fever, diptheria, typhoid and the effects of tuberculosis on the rise, she was convinced that Toronto desperately needed a hospital for sick children.  With little money and a strong faith she launched her venture in an 11 room house rented for $320 a year.  The first patient, Maggie, a scalding victim, was admitted on April 3, 1875.

From those humble beginnings, through several early moves, to 67 College Street in 1892 and onward to 555 University Ave in 1951 and the Atrium in 1993, the Hospital for Sick Children has always been a world leader in the care of sick children.

Unfortunately, it  is not feasible to rewrite the hospital’s history here but rather to suggest you link to the SickKids website (see direct link below).  There you will find the highlights of over 135 years of caring for children and many interesting old photos.

One way to tell the story of our hospital is through the writings and reflections of our own graduates.  Over the years “The Alumnae News” has published many articles written with feeling and humour, sadness and rejoicing – articles about life and work at a hospital we came to know so well.  Below you will find links to some of these stories.

Viewing highlights of our history in “bullet form” provides you with an overview, but only stories can make it come alive.

Enjoy these at your leisure!

Click here to link to milestones in the history of the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto on the SickKids website.

In December 2016 a new book “SickKids: The History of the Hospital for Sick Children” written by David Wright. It is available at the hospital and through Chapters/Indigo