** Vision **
A Centre of Excellence for Specialty Surgical and Emergency Care.
** Mission **
Building on the traditions of the Sisters of Saint Martha together with Covenant Health and our partners in Alberta Health Services, the BanffMineralSpringsHospital provides a high standard of emergency, surgical and primary health care* to our local and visitor community in a professional and caring environment.
** Values **
As a Catholic organization, we are committed to serving people of all faiths, cultures and circumstances, according to our values
* Compassion
* Respect
* Collaboration
* Social Justice
* Integrity
* Stewardship
History Of Banff Mineral Springs Hospital
** History **
In 1930, four Sisters traveled from Antigonish, Nova Scotia to purchase the hospital in Banff from the estate of Dr. Brett. Dr. Brett along with his sons and colleagues had started to deliver health services from a small cabin in 1886. Prior to this, health services were delivered from a CPR boxcar.
The Sisters of St. Martha were amazing women. They were dedicated to delivering high quality health care services to the community of Banff, the residents of the BowValley and tourists who visited BanffNational Park. These women were entrepreneurs. In 1938 they signed a contract to provide physical therapy treatments and ability to use the hot mineral waters for Worker’s Compensation Board patients from various parts of the province. This was done to help increase revenue generation for the hospital.
Clinically, the Sisters were “On Lead” with treatments for arthritis including the administration of cortisone in the late 1940's. The Sisters also established a School of Nursing and developed stringent standards of excellence for the care they provided.
The relationship between the people of this community and the Sisters of Saint Martha was one of respect and caring. The Sisters describe their relationship as a “covenant to work together for the health of the community.” For 67 years, the Sisters and the people of Banff wove “an unbroken thread of support, cooperation and collaboration.”
We are grateful to the Sisters of Saint Martha for their dedication of service and ministry to the sick and elderly; and applaud them for the opportunity to carry on the healing mission of Jesus and for the entrepreneurial spirit, as well as the establishment of clinical excellence and expertise. For the relationship that was established and continues with the people of this community, we acknowledge the Sisters. The standard of health care in Banff is what it is today because of the Sister’s influence – we cherish the memories they have given us.
In October 2003 the MineralSpringsHospital rededicated the Continuing Care Unit – “St. Martha’s Place” in honour of the Sisters of Saint Martha and their contribution to health care in Banff.
The sponsorship of the Mineral Springs facility was transferred to the Alberta Catholic Health Corporation in 1987 and the last remaining Sisters left the hospital in 1997.
Today, the hospital staff and community are committed to continuing the work and privilege of healing that was carried out by the Sisters for so many decades. Their legacy continues today as we work to realize our vision of a “Centre of Excellence for Specialty Surgical and Emergency Care.”
