Chedoke, More than a Sanatorium

Chedoke, More than a Sanatorium. . , The year 2006 marks the centennial of the Hamilton Health Association's opening of the city's tuberculosis hospital on the west mountain known as the Sanatorium. At the turn of the twentieth century tuberculosis was a disease of pandemic proportions. For over fifty years the "San", as it was commonly known, was one of the largest tuberculosis hospitals in the British Empire and was highly regarded for its advanced treatment programmes. When the disease was brought under control in the industrial world, the "San" became a Canadian treatment centre for Inuit with tuberculosis. As society's health needs changed the "San" became Chedoke General Hospital. The campus became the training and education site for many developing health professions, such as medicine, nursing, medical technology, physio and occupational therapies. After the amalgamation with McMaster University Medical Centre in 1979, Chedoke focused its efforts on setting the standards for Rehabilitation Services, Child and Family Services and Complex Continuing Care. In 1996, Chedoke Hospital, McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton General Hospital and Henderson General Hospital joined together to become Hamilton Health Sciences. Chedoke continues to be recognized internationally for its research and innovative health programmes.