SickKids History

150 Years Strong

Celebrate SickKids' 150-year history, from its humble beginnings to groundbreaking medical innovations, research discoveries and global partnerships. Explore the rich legacy and impact of one of the world's leading paediatric hospitals.

Healthier Children. A Better World.

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Our journey through time

Discover the key themes that shaped the hospital's remarkable journey.

Firsts

SickKids has been changing the game for paediatric health care since we became the first children’s hospital in Canada in 1875. From groundbreaking research discoveries to world-class clinical innovations and patient and family-centred care, SickKids continues to be a global leader in advancing children's health.

Learn more about our firsts

Historical illustration of two Victorian-era nurses in caps and aprons caring for sick children. One nurse holds an infant while another tends to a small child in what appears to be an early children's hospital ward.

Beginnings

A group of Toronto women, led by Elizabeth McMaster, founded The Hospital for Sick Children in 1875 in an 11-room residential home.

Care

Canada’s first children’s hospital – SickKids – was born decades before the field of paediatrics gained recognition as a separate medical specialty. These snapshots show our earliest days of care and how far we’ve come.

This black and white image shows nursing students in uniform with white caps in a classroom. An instructor stands near anatomical models (skeleton and torso) while teaching.

Learning

SickKids has always embraced the value and importance of education as one of three pillars within our organization: care, learning and research.

Black and white photograph of two scientists working at a laboratory bench with glassware and equipment. Large windows provide natural light. A periodic chart is visible on the wall.

Research

From hospital to research powerhouse, SickKids has always aimed to improve care using the latest evidence, tools, and knowledge.

Historic SickKids hospital photo showing woman reading to young patients in the hospital library, demonstrating early commitment to supporting children's development through educational activities during medical care.

Patient & Family Experience

Exceptional patient care extends beyond medical treatment – it’s about ensuring that every child feels supported, engaged and empowered. Learn about how the patient and family experience has evolved.

Healthcare worker in teal scrubs examining infant held by mother in white headwrap at rural clinic.

Global

Healthier Children. A Better World. It's more than words in a vision statement — our impact on the health and well-being of children everywhere is undeniable.

SickKids People

SickKids people have continuously pushed the boundaries of children’s health care. Over the years thousands have contributed to SickKids impact. Learn about some from our early history.

Learn more about SickKids People

A smiling man in an archives room with historical medical uniforms displayed on mannequins nearby.

SickKids Archives

The SickKids Archives functions as the Hospital’s long-term memory. The Archives collects, preserves, organizes, and facilitates access as much as possible to historical records relating to SickKids, its people, and some of its partner organizations.

Learn more about SickKids Archives