Deadlines event publication: Printed Edition before the 15th of every month and Electronic Edition before the 20th of every month.
Information & publication of events: Stephen Serenelli tel./fax (306) 922-1831 or E-mail to City Lights BBS (306) 763-1777 or
Internet E-mail or write to: 978-2nd Street East,
Prince Albert,
Saskatchewan S6V 0G4
Canada
A History of Caring - Holy Fasmily Hospital
In 1906, three Sisters of Charity arrived from Saint John, New Brunswick, to care for and teach sixty British orphans brought here by the Catholic Rescue Society. The dedication of the Sisters was so admired by the community that in 1908, they were asked to consider building a hospital. Support from the public was encouraging. Plans were launched, land purchased, tenders called, the sod turned on April 24th 1910, and the Order embarked on this first health care venture. Financed and administrated by the Sisters of Charity, the new hospital was dedicated on December 20th 1910, admitted its first patient on Christmas Day, and was filled to capacity a few days later.
Providing quality care to the sick and dying became the mission of the Sisters, and they devoted themselves cheerfully and tirelessly to their task. By 1914, it became evident that more beds and more nurses were required. Plans were made for a four-storey, 30 bed addition to the hospital and a residence for student nurses from the lay nursing school established a year earlier.
Improvements and expansion followed over the years to keep pace with medical technology and the growing demand for hospital services. The Sisters of Charity had themselves borne all the costs of programs, additions, renovations and daily operations. The Sisters alone funded and directed the hospital, until 1947, when the provincial government began to finance hospital operational expenses, and an Advisory Board shared in the Hospital's administration.
Always on the forefront of change and seeking to provide improved and innovative services, in 1958, the Sisters of Charity implemented plans for a new hospital facility that would cost more than 2 million dollars. Grants by the provincial and federal governments and a large contribution by the Sisters of Charity covered construction. Equipment and hospital furnishings were financed by the Sisters of Charity, private donations, the City and adjoining rural municipalities. The new state-of-the-art hospital officially opened its doors December 16th 1963. The Holy Family Hospital was incorporated in 1966, and has since been administered by a governing Board comprised of Sisters and lay members.
The Holy Family Hospital has undergone significant changes, some planned, some imposed. At its peak, the Hospital offered full services and innovative health programs. Today's "wellness" business principles of profit and loss have taken over health programs, cutting services, cutting staff and leaving the future of the Hospital uncertain. The Holy Family Hospital was created by a need for quality health care services. Since 1910, the Hospital and its dedicated staff have filled this need. This December, it will be celebrating 85 years of caring. The future? The Holy Family Hospital's goal is to continue to actively participate in approved, appropriate and funded programs that will serve our community. Let us hope this goal is reached, so that we may continue to celebrate with them for many more years to come.
Celebrating 85 Years of Caring for Prince Albert and District
Holy Family Hospital - 675-15th Street West - Tel.922-2605
Service Clubs and Associations:
The Aurora Karate Club
The Aurora Karate Club and School presents the 2nd Annual Canada Cup Open Martial Arts Championships Saturday, October 21st at SIAST Gym. Registration is at 8:00 am, competitions start at 10:00 am and will continue until all events are finished. The competition is open to all forms of martial arts - Karate, Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do, etc., and all levels from 6 years and under to adult. This non violent display of martial arts is particularly interesting for spectators because of the flowing, dance like movements. Each competitor is judged by a panel of judges who assign points for technique, power, focus and showmanship. Some competitions will feature weapons such as the double and triple hook swords. Control of the weapon is an important point for the judges. As a matter of interest, the Aurora Club will be in the 1996 Guiness Book of Records for the demolition of a local house last year by hand and foot, without any tools. For information on the club or the Canada Cup, Wolfgang & Connie Maniche 764-1950.
