More significantly, as the sixties drew to a close, the hospital identified a parcel of land on Sheppard Avenue, east of Leslie on Buchan Court, that would become the new location for Bloorview Children’s Hospital in 1975. As well, the appointment of a urologist and orthopedic surgeon meant more treatment could be offered onsite rather than via outpatient visits to acute care hospitals. To help address concerns about the larger social needs of these children, the hospital hired its first social service worker to start working with children and families. The Nightingale School of Nursing also attended classes at Bloorview every year. Practical onsite training at this facility became a standard for both the University of Toronto’s combined course in physiotherapy as well as occupational therapy. With its emphasis on rehabilitation for every child, the residents underwent medical, physical and psychological examinations to better determine how medical staff could improve the lives of these children. It was during this era that the hospital’s reputation as a teaching facility grew. In 1959, the Home’s name was changed to “Bloorview Hospital, Home and School.” Four years later that would be shortened to Bloorview Children’s Hospital. In 1950s saw the establishment of the Ontario Crippled Children’s Centre, which was officially opened at 350 Rumsey Road in 1962. Maynard, once remarked: “There are more smiles to the square foot in this place than in any other I know.” It was around this period that the Home adopted an additional name that more appropriately captured the spirit of the facility: “The House of Happiness”. The 1930s also featured the construction of the long-awaited Nurses’ Residence, which put the staff in much more comfortable quarters on the grounds of the Home rather than offsite, down Jarvis Street.
In 1934, the Home’s school became an auxiliary of Rosedale Public School. By 1921, the Board granted funding for a full-day class: the morning devoted to academics, the afternoon focused on crafts. In 1912, the Toronto School Board appointed a teacher to work with the children for two hours every day. By 1907, the board purchased a larger property at 152 Bloor Street East where 26 children could stay. It didn’t take long for the board to realize that the demand for admittance outpaced capacity in the home.
Cox – the “Home for Incurable Children” opened its doors, ready to accommodate 15 children. It didn’t take long for matters to evolve as on Decem– with the help of public contributions, donations of furniture and a two-year rent-free agreement for a home at 138 Avenue Road thanks to Mr. This group referred to themselves as the “Ladies Committee,” and they envisioned opening a facility that could care for children with disabilities and chronic illnesses. Eighteen of those in attendance were founding members of The Hospital for Sick Children, and their president was Mrs. This was not your average group of women. In 1899, 22 women gathered for tea one afternoon to discuss the establishment of a facility dedicated solely to the care children with chronic illness and physical disability. But it was thanks to a group who, in the late 19th century, decided to make their vision a reality. Through its many incarnations and locations over the years – and especially seeing what it has become today with our world-class facility – the success of Holland Bloorview reflects the contributions large and small of those who realized the importance of such a mission. For over the past 120 years, this organizationhas emerged as one of the most vital children’s rehabilitation hospitals in Canada. Though there are many chapters in the history of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, the heart of ourstory revolves around a shared spirit of quiet determination and compassion, community and vision.