Canada is home to many long-lived residents, being a country with a high standard of medical services. The average life expectancy of Canadians is 78.6 years. The people of one of the most developed countries in the world care about their health and seek timely assistance from highly qualified doctors. One of North America’s best medical institutions is located in Toronto and is called Toronto General Hospital. The hospital’s staff receive their education at the most prestigious universities and are renowned worldwide for their work. More on itoronto.
A Brief History of a Great Hospital
Toronto General Hospital (TGH) is the largest research organization in Canada and the largest transplant centre in North America. Patients from all corners of the globe come here for consultations and other services.
The hospital’s history began in 1812 when a small institution functioned as a temporary military hospital for the British Army during wartime, located in the old town area. Afterward, in 1829, the medical institution began operating permanently under the name York General Hospital (York being Toronto’s former name) and was located at John and King Streets.
In 1855, a new hospital building was constructed on Gerrard Street North. The project was designed by renowned Scottish architect William Hay. In 1913, the institution changed its location again, moving to College Street. Eventually, this building was also sold to the MaRS Discovery District corporation.
Toronto General Hospital continues to expand and modernize. The construction of a new wing was completed in 2002, marking a new chapter in the history of this medical institution.
Why Toronto General Hospital is Renowned
In 2015, the hospital conducted numerous studies in the field of transplantation. Successful transplants included lungs, liver, and pancreas. Additionally, highly qualified doctors handle the transplantation of other vital organs, such as the heart, small intestine, and kidneys.
The hospital houses the famous Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, named after the founder and chairman of the Canadian mining company Barrick Gold. Peter Munk was an entrepreneur who earned great respect for his charitable work. In 2017, he donated $100 million to the hospital. Since 1993, the philanthropist has donated over $175 million to the institution. These donations represent the largest in Canadian history for a hospital. Today, the cardiac centre is a global leader in open-heart and cardiovascular surgery.
The emergency department receives approximately 30,000 patients annually. In 2017 alone, Toronto General Hospital performed 639 transplants. In 1983, TGH conducted the world’s first single-lung transplant, and three years later, it performed a double-lung transplant.
In 2015, doctors achieved a groundbreaking feat by transplanting three organs simultaneously into one patient. Nineteen-year-old Reid Wylie underwent the first-ever transplant of two lungs, a liver, and a pancreas. The procedure became a global sensation as journalists reported the news worldwide. Wylie, who suffered from cystic fibrosis, was able to abandon his oxygen tank, engage in sports, eat normally, and plan a happy future.