MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
September 19, 2011
Record Number of Visitors to South Street Hospital Doors Open
LONDON, ON – Visitors came to London Health Sciences Centre’s (LHSC) South Street Hospital in record numbers for a Doors Open London site in the 10-year history of the annual event. Nearly 6,000 people visited South Street Hospital throughout the event on Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18, 2011.
Visitors had the one-time experience of touring many 'behind-the-scenes' spaces, such as the former operating rooms, critical care, laboratories, emergency department and morgue. Visitors also viewed archival photos and LHSC medical artifacts displayed by Museum London.
Bonnie Adamson, LHSC’s president and CEO, who greeted visitors at the front door throughout both days was delighted at the large turnout for this unique event. “This past weekend, the community came together for a celebration of South Street Hospital, a site which has provided compassionate and high quality care for 136 years,” said Adamson. "I want to offer special thanks to Museum London and Doors Open London. We collaborated closely with them to create an exceptional visitor experience at South Street Hospital."
Visitors from London, the region, and indeed from across Canada came to share their stories, reconnect with old friends and reflect fondly on the legacy of care and compassion that LHSC has long provided.
Over 200 former or current LHSC staff and volunteers supported the celebration event. “Thank you to the staff and volunteers who ensured this event was a success and for sharing their own memories of South Street Hospital. This one-time event would not have been possible without the contribution of these individuals,” said Adamson.
About London Health Sciences Centre
London Health Sciences Centre has been in the forefront of medicine in Canada for 135 years and offers the broadest range of specialized clinical services in Ontario. Building on the traditions of its founding hospitals to provide compassionate care in an academic teaching setting, London Health Sciences Centre is home to Children’s Hospital, South Street Hospital, University Hospital, Victoria Hospital, two family medical centres, and two research institutes – Children’s Health Research Institute and Lawson Health Research Institute, a joint research initiative with St. Joseph’s Health Care, London. As a leader in medical discovery and health research, London Health Sciences Centre has a history of over 50 international and national firsts and attracts top clinicians and researchers from around the world. As a regional referral centre, London Health Sciences Centre cares for the most medically complex patients including critically injured adults and children in Southwestern Ontario and beyond. The hospital’s nearly 15,000 staff, physicians, students and volunteers provide care for more than one million patient visits a year. For more information visit www.lhsc.on.ca
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For media inquiries contact:
Laura Tyrrell
Corporate Communications and Public Relations
London Health Sciences Centre
519-685-8500, ext. 75724
Laura.Tyrrell@lhsc.on.ca
After-hours assistance:
Call LHSC Switchboard at 519-685-8500 and ask to page the communication consultant on-call
