Women's College Hospital facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Women's College Hospital |
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Women's College Hospital from Elizabeth Street
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| Geography | |
| Location | 76 Grenville Street Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1B2 |
| Organisation | |
| Care system | Medicare |
| Hospital type | Teaching |
| Affiliated university | University of Toronto |
| Services | |
| Emergency department | No |
| Speciality | Women's Health |
| History | |
| Founded | October 1, 1883 |
Women's College Hospital is a teaching hospital in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is located at the north end of Hospital Row, a section of University Avenue where several major hospitals are located. It currently functions as an independent ambulatory care hospital. The Chief of Staff is Dr. Sheila Laredo and the physician-in-chief is Dr. Paula Harvey.
Women's College Hospital maintains a focus on women's health, research in women's health, and ambulatory care. It was recognized as the only collaborating centre in women's health the Western Hemisphere designated by the World Health Organization.
Women's College Hospital is associated with Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital Foundation and Women's Health Matters, a bilingual consumer website on women's health and lifestyle issues.
History
Women's College Hospital began as Woman's Medical College in 1883. On June 13, 1883, Dr. Emily Stowe (1831–1903) the second woman licensed to practice medicine in Canada – led a group of her supporters to a meeting at the Toronto Women's Suffrage Club, stating "that medical education for women is a recognized necessity, and consequently facilities for such instruction should be provided." The motion was seconded adding "that the establishment of such a school was a public necessity and in the interests of the community."
Less than six months after this meeting, on October 1, 1883, Toronto Mayor A.R. Boswell formally opened Woman's Medical College.
Ontario Medical College for Women
In 1895, the College amalgamated with its sister institution in Kingston, Ontario, and changed its name to the Ontario Medical College for Women. A practical experience clinic called the Dispensary was opened in Toronto in 1898. The clinic allowed female patients to obtain the services of women doctors in a field dominated by men. At the time, services were provided regardless of the patient's ability to pay and medical advice was always free.
In 1906, the University of Toronto opened its doors to permit women to study medicine, and the Ontario Medical College for Women closed. The Dispensary remained open and continued to prosper in the city.
