St. Elizabeth's Hospital

Full Size = 142K

St. Elizabeth’s Hospital is a Catholic health care facility serving approximately 30,000 people in central Saskatchewan. The mission and philosophy of the organization and the owners, the sisters of St. Elizabeth, reflect a breadth of programs that span the spectrum of health services.

ROOTS
The Sisters of St. Elizabeth have a tradition of caring for the sick that goes back to their foundation in 1622 in Aachen, Germany. In 1910, Mother Pulcheria Wilhelm, superior general of the foundation in Klagenfurt, Austria, wished to establish the sisters in North America. She came into contact with Abbot Bruno Doefler, prior of the Benedictines at Muenster. In 1911, after many setbacks, three sisters, Augustina Platzer, Philomena Jug and Gabriela Lex, came from Klagenfurt to arrive in Muenster, Saskatchewan on May 14. The sisters began their history of health care in the district almost immediately, working with one of the local doctors. Land had been purchased from Flory and secured by collateral of local citizens. On October 3, 1912, the Sister’s hospital was blessed by Bishop Albert Pascal, O.M.I. of Prince Albert.

GROWTH
Health care needs of the people increased. St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and the Sisters of St. Elizabeth continued to be involved in meeting these requirements.

The Sisters donated land and initially administered St. Mary’s Villa, the local nursing home. In addition they operated a home for physically and mentally challenged girls. Community Services were begun as a service of the hospital in 1973. This eventually became an independent organization and phased into the provincial Home Care program in 1983. The Sisters continue to be involved with many types of physical and spiritual care in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

A Nurses Training School was operated by the sisters in Humboldt beginning I n1923. Once provincially operated nursing programs were fully implemented in 1969 the school was closed. St. Elizabeth’s Hospital continues active involvement with practical training for Family Medicine Residents, Lab and x-ray technicians, physiotherapists and others in the health care field.

Structurally, the original hospital was expanded in 1919 and in 1928. The original hospital was replaced in 1955, and a further addition was added in 1968 . There are currently 57 beds with approximately 2,200 admissions, 135 births and 18,350 outpatient visits annually.

PRESENTLY
The hospital’s Board of Governors includes 3 municipal representatives and 7 appointees by the Sisters. The guide for development of programs and services is the mission of the hospital.

St. Elizabeth's Mission Statement

Active medical Staff privileges are held by 8 physicians including one general surgeon and a GP/Anesthetists. Itinerant Clinics are provided by specialists from Saskatoon, including radiology/ultrasound, orthopedics, ENT, cardiology, obstetrics/gynecology, rheumatolgy, immunology, gerontology, internal medicine, respirology, and neurology. Courtesy Medical Staff privileges are held by many physicians from the surrounding areas to allow them access to clinical services at St. Elizabeth’s

A wide range of primary and secondary service is provided at St. Elizabeth’s. These include surgery (10 beds, 4 stretchers - day surgery ward, 2 operating rooms, 1 scope room, 1 fracture room), maternity(6 beds unit, 2 birthing rooms), and medical (22 beds including 2 coronary care and 3 palliative care). Transitional Ward (14 beds) offers non-acute care for those waiting placement in special care homes, are in need of assessment and rehabilitation support to live independently, or respite care.

Outpatient/emergency department provides immediate emergency coverage on a 24 hour basis, minor emergency and scheduled surgery and treatment service, chemotherapy, casting, patient education and counseling. A Crisis Care program has been initiated to assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, self-harm and attempted suicide.

Pastoral care plays an active role in the care of patients in the hospital dealing with the spiritual needs of patients of all faith traditions.

Physical therapy, dietary counseling, pharmacy, laboratory, diagnostic x-ray and ultrasound are services that are offered within St. Elizabeth’s and to other medical staff, facilities and health districts.

Education programs include a cardiac rehabilitation (Heart to Heart), diabetic education, smoking cessation, education and support for newly diagnosed cancer patients and families.

The hospital encourages ongoing education and staff development. Many staff have been active at the provincial and national levels in professional associations and health related organizations.

St. Elizabeth’s has been a leader in the implementation of Total Quality Management in health care. The hospital has participated in the accreditation process since 1947 and has maintained accreditation status since that time.

There are some Down Memory Lanes pertaining to Health Care:

Construction of the original St. Elizabeth's Hospital

Dr. Ogilvie's Epithaph

Dr. Heidgerken

May 18, 1911. Hospital to be Built

Aug 6, 1937. St. Elizabeth's Hospital Celebrates 25 Years

Sept.15, 1955. Hospital Officially Opened

Medical Staff in Humboldt From 1912 - 1982