Bridgepoint Health

Bridgepoint Health is a University of Toronto community affiliated hospital committed to being Canada's leading integrated health network for the treatment of complex chronic disease and disability. It is located in Toronto, Canada, next to the Don River in the Riverdale neighbourhood of the city. It is next door to the Don Jail.

In 2003, a $200 million expansion project was announced, that would modernize and expand the facility. The final result will be a complex of different buildings, including the old Don Jail, which will be used for offices. The new hospital will offer patients and their families access to the most innovative therapies, highly specialized staff, and leading technology that will ensure Bridgepoint patients receive the best available care.

History

The first hospital on the site was the Riverdale Isolation Hospital, which opened in 1875. It was a specialized facility located on the edge of the city to house patients with communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis. As medical science progressed there was no longer any need to isolate large numbers of patients, and in 1957 the hospitals name and mandate were changed. Its focus shifted to helping those with chronic ailments or needing rehabilitation. The current building was completed in 1963. In 1997 as part of Mike Harris' cutbacks the government moved to close the facility, but a community lobbying effort kept it open.

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References

*"What to do with a Riverdale landmark?" Dave LeBlanc. "The Globe and Mail." Toronto, Ont.: Jun 17, 2005. pg. G.6
*"Hospital blazes a trail in complex care" Brian Dexter. "Toronto Star." Toronto, Ont.: May 10, 2003. pg. K.01

External links

* [http://www.bridgepointhealth.ca/Home.aspx?PageID=1 Official site]