平特五不中

Message from Queen Elizabeth and virtual re-enactment of the Royal opening signal worldwide impact of this Montreal gem

Today, the Montreal Chest Institute celebrated its 100th anniversary at the site of its future home, the Glen Campus of the 平特五不中 Health Centre (MUHC) 鈥� honouring its past visionaries and reaffirming its commitment to excellence in the prevention, treatment and research of respiratory medicine. 听

In 1909, a group of Montreal citizens committed to combat tuberculosis 鈥� a disease as prominent back then as HIV/AIDS is today and that at the time claimed 12,000 lives a year in the Quebec region alone. The Burland family donated their home and the group hired staff and recruited Kind Edward the VII as patron, creating the Royal Edward Institute 鈥� what is now known as the Montreal Chest Institute. The official opening happened on October 21, 1909, when King Edward VII, in a country home in England, pushed a button that sent a current through an underground cable across the Atlantic Ocean to open the doors of the Royal Edward Institute. This historic first was re-enacted through a video shown at today鈥檚 event.听

鈥淭he treatment of respiratory diseases has now expanded far beyond tuberculosis, and the doctors and healthcare professionals of the MCI are proud to celebrate the past 100 years that have made this establishment a centre of excellence,鈥� said Dr. Richard Menzies, Director of the MCI. 听

鈥淥ver the years, thanks to our many donors and supporters, the MCI has remained a pioneer in research and treatment of respiratory ailments,鈥� said Susan Curry, President of the MCI Foundation. 听

The event not only celebrated the honoured institution but also symbolized a turning point towards the future with the transition to the new hospital at the Glen Campus; one where patients will benefit from single-patient rooms and the latest treatments at an outstanding medical facility.

鈥淭oday, we mark one hundred years of world-class medicine, research and teaching; one hundred years of history-shaping contributions from the professionals and philanthropists who first breathed life into the Royal Edward and then into the Montreal Chest Institute,鈥� concluded the Hon. Arthur T. Porter, Director General and CEO of the MUHC. 鈥淏efore the end of the year, we will also usher in a new era. I look forward to breaking ground at the Glen Campus so that our experts can continue to push the boundaries of new knowledge.鈥�

听

About the 平特五不中 Health Centre
The 平特五不中 Health Centre (MUHC) is a comprehensive academic health institution with an international reputation for excellence in clinical programs, research and teaching. Its partner hospitals are the Montreal Children's Hospital, the Montreal General Hospital, the Royal Victoria Hospital, the Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute, the Montreal Chest Institute and the Lachine Hospital. The goal of the MUHC is to provide patient care based on the most advanced knowledge in the healthcare field, and to contribute to the development of new knowledge.

-30-

Copy of Queen Elizabeth鈥檚 letter available听
Photos of event available听
Video footage of re-enactment available

For information contact:
Danielle Taylor, Media Relations听
danielle.taylor [at] muhc.mcgill.ca
514-934-1934, 34319