Toronto is one of the most developed Canadian cities, offering a high standard of medical services. The metropolis is home to a diverse population, including a large number of local residents and immigrants. Thousands of newcomers settle in Toronto every year, while tourists from around the world visit the city to experience its attractions and often dream of returning. All segments of the population have access to Toronto’s hospitals. These medical institutions provide a wide range of services, and Toronto’s healthcare professionals are passionate about their work and continuously strive for improvement. Read more on itoronto.
Toronto General Hospital
Toronto General Hospital (TGH) is among Canada’s top-ranked hospitals. Patients from all over the world seek care here, as it employs highly skilled professionals. TGH is the largest transplant center in North America.
The hospital began as a small military hospital for the British Army during the War of 1812. Over time, its location changed several times, and in 2002, a new building was completed, marking a new chapter in TGH’s history.
The hospital specializes in organ transplants, including lungs, hearts, kidneys, intestines, livers, and pancreases. In 2015, TGH made global headlines by performing a groundbreaking triple-organ transplant on a single patient. This achievement highlighted the expertise and dedication of its medical staff.
SickKids
Canada’s largest pediatric hospital, SickKids, opened in 1875 in a small building with limited space for only a few patients. Before its establishment, children were often treated with traditional remedies, and there was skepticism about such facilities.
The hospital was founded by Elizabeth McMaster, who, with the support of a few like-minded individuals, rented an 11-room house with six beds to care for sick children. The first patient was a young girl named Maggie, who had suffered severe burns. In its first year, the hospital treated 44 inpatients and provided outpatient care for 67 children.
In 1876, the hospital moved to a larger building, and in 1891, a dedicated facility was constructed. In 1951, the hospital relocated again, and in 1972, a helipad was added to expedite emergency care for critically ill children.
SickKids has grown into one of the world’s top pediatric hospitals, attracting patients from across Canada and abroad. It is closely affiliated with the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine.
Notable accomplishments at SickKids include the establishment of the first milk pasteurization plant, the invention of the low-calorie infant cereal Pablum, and the discovery of the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis. The hospital was also among the first to implement insulin treatments following its development by Toronto researchers.
North York General Hospital
North York General Hospital (NYGH) opened in 1968 and is located at Leslie Street and Sheppard Avenue. The hospital was founded by four organizations: Friends of North York General, the Canadian women’s charity Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire, the Missionary Health Institute, and North York General Hospital Volunteer Services.
In the 20th century, the growing North York area needed a hospital to serve its population. Colonel Clifford Sifton spearheaded fundraising efforts and oversaw preparatory work. In 1962, a small plot of land was allocated, and construction began three years later, with the total cost exceeding $8 million, much of which was raised by volunteers.
The hospital officially opened on March 15, 1968, with Ontario Premier John Robarts in attendance. On May 12 of the same year, the hospital admitted its first patient. By May 15, NYGH had 50 beds, which expanded to 580 by the end of autumn.
In 2003, the hospital underwent significant expansion. It now provides 24/7 emergency care and inpatient services. NYGH specializes in diagnosing and treating breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers, and it performs various surgeries and procedures.
NYGH primarily serves residents in northern central Toronto and southern York Region. It is closely affiliated with the University of Toronto and encompasses the Branson Ambulatory Care Centre, the Seniors’ Health Centre, and the Reactivation Centre.
In 2019, Newsweek ranked North York General Hospital as the second-best hospital in Canada and included it among the top 100 hospitals worldwide.
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre is one of the world’s leading oncology facilities. It was established in 1952 by the Ontario government as the Ontario Cancer Institute. In 1958, the hospital officially opened, with Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, in attendance. In her honor, the facility was renamed the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
The center employs approximately 3,000 specialists and serves around 400,000 patients annually. Its 850,000-square-foot facility includes 202 inpatient beds, a state-of-the-art MRI-guided radiation therapy complex (MRgRT), and two Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion units. It is the largest radiation therapy center in Canada.
Each day, the hospital cares for nearly 1,000 patients. Services include comprehensive diagnostics, effective treatment, and ongoing monitoring.
General Hospital Scarborough
Located in the eastern part of Toronto, Scarborough General Hospital was founded in 1956 by the Misericordia Sisters as the first hospital in the Scarborough area.
In 2009, the hospital opened a $72 million Emergency and Urgent Care Centre in its west wing. The expanded facility doubled the capacity of the emergency department, enabling staff to assist more patients.
The west wing also houses a 22-bed intensive care unit that combines the previous ICU and coronary care unit. Advanced technology ensures high-quality patient care.
In 2020, Scarborough General Hospital welcomed Princess Anne, daughter of Queen Elizabeth II. She met with doctors and nurses, thanking them for their dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic.