Toronto’s architecture is unique, as it harmoniously combines the past and present. Today, we’ll talk about an architectural site that performs an important function in the metropolis. We are talking about one of the leading medical centres in Toronto and Canada — Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Read more about this on the pages of the toronto-future.com website.
History of the medical facility
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre was founded in 1928. It all began when Alice Kilgour donated her farm, Sunnybrook Farm, to the City of Toronto as a public park. However, over time, it was decided to use this part of the city for the construction of a medical facility. As early as 1942, a decision was made to build a large hospital for veterans on the park’s territory. In 1943, the city authorities began construction. Three years later, the hospital admitted its first patients. Admittedly, the official opening of the medical facility took place after the end of the Second World War — in 1948.
The hospital began to develop actively, and by the 1950s, the medical facility was expanding its range of services and scientific research. And in 1966, Sunnybrook became an official teaching hospital. Seven years later, it was decided to rename the hospital Sunnybrook Medical Centre.
Development of the hospital
In 1976, Canada’s first regional trauma centre and first stroke centre were opened here. And in 1998, Sunnybrook merged with Women’s College Hospital and the Orthopaedic and Arthritic Hospital, forming the Sunnybrook and Women’s College Health Sciences Centre. However, in 2006, the hospitals separated again.
In 2012, another merger took place. This time, the medical centre merged with St. John’s Rehab Hospital. Such innovations help provide patients with high-quality medical services — from acute care to rehabilitation.
It is worth noting that Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre has implemented a number of advanced technologies and innovations. The main ones include:
- Garry Hurvitz Brain Sciences Centre. A modern centre for the treatment of neurological and mental health disorders, which is equipped with innovative equipment for the diagnosis and therapy of complex brain diseases, such as strokes, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
- Digital technologies and virtual medicine. Sunnybrook actively integrates telemedicine services, allowing patients to receive consultations and support remotely, especially in remote regions.
- Innovative diagnostic methods. The centre uses advanced imaging technologies, including high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional MRI for the precise detection of pathologies.
- Personalized medicine. Use of genetic testing and biomarkers to develop individual treatment plans, especially in oncology and cardiology.
- Robotic surgery. Implementation of robotic systems for performing minimally invasive surgeries, which reduces patient recovery time and lowers the risks of complications.
- Innovations in rehabilitation. Use of virtual reality and modern rehabilitation technologies to restore functions after injuries and strokes.
Architectural features
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto was built in the last century, so the medical facility combines modern infrastructure with a thoughtful architectural design. It is comfortable and pleasant to be in the hospital, and the green spaces around the building help in recovering faster and enjoying the beauty of nature.
It is worth noting that one of the prominent landmarks on the facility’s grounds is the Sunnybrook Cenotaph. This monument, designed as an entrance arch, is a symbol of remembrance for veterans and an important part of the facility’s history. By the way, the memorial was reconstructed in 2022-2024. During this period, the surrounding area was also updated: pedestrian walkways were set up, new rest areas, and accessibility for people with disabilities was improved.
We should add that the hospital’s architecture was created more for comfort and functionality. For example, the spacious and bright wards have large windows with views of nature. This allows for the maximum use of natural lighting. Over time, the needs of patients with limited physical abilities were also provided for: convenient entrances, elevators, and special routes.
In the modern period, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is the largest trauma centre in Canada. The medical facility has over 1,300 beds and provides highly specialized care in the fields of oncology, cardiology, neurosurgery, and maternal and newborn care. And one of the most important recent achievements is the opening of the new Garry Hurvitz Brain Sciences Centre in 2024. This unique centre is dedicated to the treatment and research of brain diseases and has an area of over 120,000 square feet, equipped with 47 private beds for patients with mental and neurological disorders.
This is the history of the creation and development of Toronto’s powerful medical centre. We hope our material was informative for you and that you learned more information about your home city.
Sources:
- https://sunnybrook.ca/content/?page=strategic-plan-2021-25
- https://www.ontarioconstructionnews.com/sunnybrook-health-sciences-centre-unveils-new-garry-hurvitz-brain-sciences-centre
- https://canada.constructconnect.com/dcn/news/projects/2024/10/new-centre-for-brain-science-at-sunnybrook-reaches-completion