Government of Canada recognizes the national historic significance of the Hersey Pavilion
On behalf of Canada鈥檚 Environment Minister John Baird, the Honourable Pierre Claude Nolin, Senator, unveiled a plaque of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada today commemorating the Royal Victoria Hospital鈥檚 Hersey Pavilion.
鈥淔or 70 years, the Hersey Pavilion housed an entire generation of nurses who came for training,鈥� said Senator Nolin. 鈥淗ealth care is a priority for Canadians, and our Government is proud to recognize the contribution of front line health care workers. Today鈥檚 designation speaks to the professionalism of our nurses and recognizes their exceptional contribution to the development of health care in Canada.鈥�
The Hersey Pavilion, one of the first nurses鈥� residences in Canada, symbolizes the development and recognition of nursing as a profession in the early 20th century. From 1907 until 1972, this building housed students from the Royal Victoria Hospital鈥檚 School for Nurses, who cared for hospital patients as part of their training. Named for Mabel F. Hersey, prominent nursing leader and the school鈥檚 superintendent from 1908 to 1938, the residence provided a home-like setting, where a pioneering generation of professional nurses lived, trained, and formed lasting ties.
The Royal Victoria hospital opened in December 1893. The hospital was built with contributions from Lord Mount Stephen and Lord Strathcona, and its name commemorates the jubilee of Queen Victoria, in 1887. Since its beginnings, the hospital has undergone many expansions, including the addition of the Hersey Pavilion, designed in a Ch芒teaux style by the Maxwell brothers.
Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises Canada鈥檚 Environment Minister about the national historic significance of places, persons and events that have marked Canada鈥檚 history. The placement of a commemorative plaque represents an official recognition of their historic value and creates public awareness about Canada鈥檚 rich cultural heritage, which must be preserved for present and future generations.
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