LHSC celebrates 150 years of great care, teaching, and research

---

Above: Volunteers welcoming guests as they arrived at Victoria Hospital and Children’s Hospital for LHSC’s 150th Anniversary Celebration.

Shared memories, guided tours, and historical exhibits set the stage on Friday, September 12 at Victoria Hospital, Children’s Hospital, and University Hospital as London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) marked its 150th Anniversary Celebration.

The event brought together staff, credentialed staff, patients, partners, and community members for an opportunity to look back on LHSC’s remarkable history, celebrate the achievements of today, and share optimism for the future. Guests took part in guided tours, attended presentations highlighting milestones in LHSC’s history, and explored exhibits featuring medical artifacts, photographs, and stories from across the organization’s 150 years.

“This was a day to pause and celebrate the people and the purpose that have shaped LHSC over the past 150 years,” said Dr. Christie MacDonald, LHSC 150 Co-Executive Sponsor, Interim Vice Chair of LHSC’s Medical Advisory Committee and Department Head of Emergency Medicine. “From the opening of London General Hospital in 1875 to the world-class research and specialized care offered across our hospitals today, this legacy is made possible by the dedication of our staff, physicians, learners, volunteers, and community partners.”

The formal program included remarks from City of London Mayor Josh Morgan, Ontario Deputy Minister of Health Deborah Richardson, Elder Chris George from Oneida Nation of the Thames, and LHSC Supervisor David Musyj. It also included reflections on the hospital’s past, present, and future from local historian Shaelyn Ryan, Curator of the Medical Artifacts Collection at Western University; Dr. Michael Chu, Division Head of Cardiac Surgery at LHSC; and Dr. Abdel Lawendy, Medical Director of LHSC’s Nazem Kadri Surgical Centre.

“LHSC’s story is a long, strong, and proud history of exceptional impacts across care, education, and innovation for our communities and beyond,” said Deborah Wiseman, LHSC 150 Co-Executive Sponsor and Vice President of Medicine, Emergency Services, Critical Care, Clinical Neurological Sciences, and Corporate Nursing Executive. “Our story continues with the unwavering commitment and dedication of our people, which has endured through every era. Our future is very bright.”

Those unable to attend in person were able to watch via livestream, with recordings from both Victoria and Children’s Hospital and University Hospital available for on-demand viewing. 

As the organization reflected on its past, the 150th anniversary also provided an opportunity to look ahead.  

“The next chapter for LHSC is one of continued innovation and partnership,” said Musyj. “Together, we will build on this strong foundation to shape the future of health care for the patients and families we serve.” 

This celebration was generously supported by London Health Sciences Foundation and Children’s Health Foundation. 

LHSC is celebrating 150 years of care, innovation, and community impact by sharing 150 moments from our history. Join us in marking this milestone by sharing your own LHSC story.