St Josephs General Hospital - Yearbook (Vegreville, Alberta Canada)

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EDITORIAL We hope that the many unforgetable events that occurred during the past year have been recaptured through the publication of this Book and will, therefore, remain with us forever. In the years to come, this Book, probably yellowed with age and handling, will serve as a link between Yesterday and Today. I want to express my sincere appreciation on behalf of the Yearbook Staff to all those whose con¬ tributions made this Yearbook possible, and especially to Sister Cecilia who gave so willingly and unselfishly of her time and equipment. S. SMITH. HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH ' S GENERAL HOSPITAL Vegreville developed very rapidly, being one of the most important market places in Northern Alberta. Urgent need of a hospital was experienced by the whole community. For this reason, in 1910, at the request of the local priests, four Sisters were sent to start a hospital by the Superior General of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Evron, France. Sister Josephine Boisseau, our present and beloved Superior, was one of the four and played-a very important role in the development of both the hospfital and school of nursing. These devoted pioneers arrived in Vegreville early in October, anxious to start their noble task in Canada—that of dedicating their lives to the service of the sick. A private home was kindly placed at their disposal and three weeks after their arrival on November 2, their first patient was admitted in this 8-bed emergency hospital. One morning four cases of Scarlet Fever were brought in. As space did not permit isolation, tents were set up close to the hospital. October 21st, 1911 brought much excitement in the hospital. Doctors, Sisters and nurses were seen busily transporting patients and equipment to the new 40-bed brick hospital which was bein g opened. It was approved in 1926 by the American College of Surgeons. With the increasing number of patients a new problem arose—the need of more beds. This was taken care of by the building of a wing in 1934. Gradually the same situation was encountered. There were crowded wards, patients in the hall. To facilitate efficient nursing care, another wing was built in 1937, and another one in 1951. In the latter is found a modern chapel where everyone, Sisters, Staff and Patients, can satisfy their devotions in the peaceful atmosphere which it offers. In 1915 attempts were made to establish a School of Nursing at St. Joseph ' s General Hospital. In November the first two students were accepted with Sister Josephine Boisseau as Superintendent and instructor. On March 25th, the Nurses proudly took the uniform which consisted of an ankle-length blue smock with long sleeves, a one-piece apron, white plastic straight collar and 8-inc h cuffs, black shoes and stockings, and a cap. This uniform was adapted to the times as years rolled along. White shoes and stockings replaced the black ones as requested by the 1941 student body. A small private home, which had been used as an isolation ward, served as the first Nurses ' Home after going through remodelling. The nature of work carried on in the hospital justified more personnel, thus a Nurses ' Home was erected and at the present time accommodates fifty Nurses. 2

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o a ie whose memory will remain with us always.

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SISTER SUPERIOR Reverend Sister Josephine Boisseau, Superior and Superintendent of the hospital received a thorough preparation for her present responsibilities through teaching tor ten years and following her nursing years in France, being first Superintendent of Nurses of St. Joseph ' s General Hospital, a position which she held for thirty-six years. Duty First seems to be a characteristic that never fails in Sister Josephine. Her kindness, love of people, sincere smile and manner win her the love of all those she meets. When Sister Josephine makes up her mind to do something it is done and done well. No problem is too great or task too large for Sister Superior. MOTHER GENERAL February brought us the joy of having Reverend Mother General, Mother Georgette Her sincere and maternal approach cre¬ ated a pleasant and friendly attitude which won respect of all those who came in contact with her. The souvenirof this visit will remain in our heart until her return which we hope will not be at too distant a date. Guet, and her assistant Mother Marie Planchenault, from France, and Mother M. Joseph Rondo, Superior Provincial, from Trochu. Mother General and.her assistant came to Canada by aeroplane to visit the Canadian houses and won the affection of all the Sisters and others they met. They showed interest in hospitals, schools and especially in St. Joseph ' s General Hospital School of Nursing. At their short visit with the Nurses, Mother General compared the nursing schools of France with those of Canada. 3