The history of the Brockville General Hospital can be traced back to March 16, 1881. On this date,
Dr. J.E. Brouse wrote a letter to the editor of the Evening Recorder in which he addressed the need for a medical facility in Brockville. The idea first occurred to him on a visit to New York City, where Brouse observed the operation of several facilities known as dispensaries and clinics. On reflection he recognized the need for a similar service in Brockville to supply advice and treatment to the poor. Brouse also believed that if such an institution was to be established it would prove to be the nucleus for a hospital.
On June 15th, 1881, the dispensary officially opened its doors to the public. It was open each weekday from 2 to 3 p.m. and house visits were arranged for those too ill to leave their homes. Between this time and March of 1885, 1,711 treatments were administered to 521 patients.
On July 2, 1888 construction began on the Brockville General Hospital. By March 7, 1889, a three-storey brick building had been erected on the present site at the corner of Pearl and Ormond Streets.
The first ladies Auxiliary was officially formed on November 11, 1889. On this date the first annual meeting was held and the first executive was elected. As the first president, Mrs. Thomas Gilmour oversaw the philanthropic activities organized by the Auxiliary’s fifty-nine original members. To raise money for the hospital, the Auxiliary accepted donations from townspeople and held numerous teas, luncheons and concerts. During its first year, the Auxiliary also established the linen service, which is still in existence today saving the hospital thousands of dollars each year.
The first nursing student to graduate from the Brockville General Hospital was Miss Isabel Thomas, who completed her studies on July 18, 1893. She had spent two years at the hospital learning her profession in largely inadequate facilities. Recognizing this, the Auxiliary suggested in 1894 that a new wing be built to accommodate a residence and teaching facilities for the nurses. A gift from the Fulford family in 1895 provided the funds needed to build this new north wing.
In one hundred years the hospital has evolved from a charitable dispensary to a modern institution which continues to serve the Leeds and Grenville Counties well. In its one hundred-year history the hospital has consistently adjusted to meet the needs and demands of a growing community.
