By Interior Health
Tuesday marks the 100th anniversary of laying the cornerstone of the original Queen Victoria Hospital in Revelstoke in 1912.
“Queen Victoria Hospital’s centennial celebration is a time to recognize the health professionals, patients, volunteers and community partners past and present who have made the hospital such a special place over the past 100 years,” said Health Minister Michael de Jong.
Community members are invited to join staff, physicians, volunteers and other special guests to celebrate the centennial Tuesday, August 21 on the garden patio of Queen Victoria Hospital. Tea, dessert and music will be available starting at 5:30 p.m., with a historical presentation from Cathy English of the Revelstoke Museum and Archives at 6 p.m.
“I’m thrilled to join with the community as they recognize this significant milestone in their history,” said Dr. Robert Halpenny, CEO and President of Interior Health. “The community should know that their strength and spirit is the true cornerstone of Queen Victoria Hospital.”
Queen Victoria Hospital is a community hospital offering emergency services related to major trauma, maternity, minor elective surgeries, laboratory and radiology, physiotherapy, outpatient ambulatory care, nutrition and public health, mental health, care for the elderly, respite and palliative care.
“We are especially grateful to the Revelstoke Hospital Auxiliary Society and Revelstoke District Health Foundation for their support, and to the many health-care professionals, administrators and volunteers who have contributed to the hospital over the last century – each has left their own unique mark on its rich history,” added Halpenny.
The cornerstone from the original hospital will be set into the ground under a newly planted Japanese maple tree. Items for a time capsule collected by the hospital administration will be on display at tomorrow’s event to give the community an opportunity to view before the capsule is sealed. The time capsule will be opened in the year 2112.
Tomorrow’s event kicks off months of celebration that will wrap-up with a special event next June when the hospital celebrates the 100th anniversary of opening to the public.
“In ten months we’ll gather again as a community to recognize the 100 years that have passed since the hospital opened its doors on First Street,” said Julie Lowes, Health Services Manager at Queen Victoria Hospital. “So much has changed over those years including the re-location of the hospital to our current location. All of us are proud of the excellent care provided at our hospital and thankful for the support continually shown to us from the community."