A Part of Everyone’s Story | 100 Years of Norfolk General Hospital

Celebrating a Century of Care

This year, Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) celebrates 100 years of service to our community—a milestone that honors a century of care, dedication, and life-changing moments. From the patients and families we’ve cared for to the healthcare professionals and volunteers who have given their time and expertise, NGH has been a part of everyone’s story.

And while we mark a century of hospital care, we are also celebrating another important milestone—50 years of the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home (NHNH). Sitting beside NGH, NHNH has been a place of comfort and compassion for five decades, providing long-term care for those who need it most. Since opening its doors in 1975, NHNH has remained a publicly owned, non-profit home where residents receive dedicated and compassionate care.

What’s Your Norfolk General Hospital Story?

NGH and NHNH aren’t just buildings—they are a collection of stories, experiences, and memories that have shaped our community.

Were you born at NGH?
Did you or a loved one receive care that changed your life?
Have you worked alongside an incredible team at NGH or NHNH?

We invite you to share your story. Your experiences are part of our history, and we would love to feature them as we celebrate these milestones.

How to Share Your Story

Sharing your story is easy!

Click the [Share Your Story] button.
When the form opens:
- Under Type of Feedback, select “Word of Encouragement”
- Under Location/Service, select “Medical”
Write your story in the comment box. Feel free to include names, memories, or moments that matter to you.
If you have a photo to share, you can upload it at the bottom of the form.
Click Submit when you’re done.

That’s it! Thank you for being part of our story—and for helping us celebrate 100 years of care at Norfolk General Hospital.

Throughout 2025, NGH and NHNH will celebrate the generations of staff, physicians, volunteers, and community members who have shaped their legacies. We invite residents to share their memories—whether it’s a story of exceptional care, a person who made a difference, or a moment that defines our shared history.

Our History: Then and Now

Our story began with a bold vision. A group of dedicated, community-minded individuals, driven by perseverance and a shared commitment to healthcare, laid the foundation for what would become Norfolk General Hospital.

On May 20, 1925, NGH opened its doors as a 23-bed, fully equipped hospital. More than 2,000 citizens attended the opening ceremony—a powerful testament to the deep-rooted community support that has defined the hospital since day one. From these humble beginnings, NGH has grown into a leading healthcare provider, caring for thousands of patients each year.

Expansion and innovation began almost immediately. Shortly after opening, the newly formed Simcoe Rotary Club raised $6,000 to install the hospital’s first elevator and add the Rotary Sunroom. In 1926, NGH introduced its first X-ray equipment, and by 1927, the McCall Nurses Home was completed.

Sitting beside NGH, Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home (NHNH) opened in 1975, expanding our ability to care for the community by providing 80 long-term care beds. For 50 years, NHNH has supported seniors and individuals in need of specialized care, offering a warm, welcoming environment where residents feel at home.

We’ve come a long way since then, thanks to the unwavering support of our generous community.

Honouring Our History

Throughout this year, we’ll be sharing stories that celebrate the people and moments that have shaped NGH, including:

The first baby born at NGH
How volunteers played a vital role in building and supporting the hospital
Stories from staff who dedicated their careers to caring for our community

The Next 100 Years

As we celebrate our past, we also look toward the future. Plans for a new hospital and nursing home are already underway, laying the foundation for a modern healthcare system designed to meet the evolving needs of our community.

This milestone is more than a reflection on where we’ve been—it’s a commitment to moving forward, ensuring NGH and NHNH remain trusted places of care and compassion for the next 100 years.

“For the past 100 years, Norfolk General Hospital has been at the heart of our community, providing compassionate care to generations of patients and families,” said Todd Stepanuik, President and CEO of Norfolk General Hospital. “This year, we also celebrate 50 years of dedicated service at the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home, which has provided a place of comfort, dignity, and care for those who call it home. As we honor these incredible milestones, we also look toward an exciting future. With plans for a new hospital and nursing home underway, we are building a stronger, more modern health system that will enhance care and expand services for the people of Norfolk County for generations to come.”

Upcoming Events: Join the Celebration

We’re marking this milestone with special events and community gatherings throughout the year.

100th + 50th Anniversary Celebration Kickoff

You’re invited to a special community celebration!

On Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) and the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home (NHNH) will host an open house at the Norfolk County Recreation Centre – Dogwood Room in Simcoe.

We’re celebrating 100 years of care at NGH and 50 years of service at NHNH—and we couldn’t have done it without you.

This drop-in event will include:

Guest speakers and a short ceremony
A display of old photos, artifacts, and hospital milestones
Light refreshments
A chance to reconnect with former staff, volunteers, and community members

This is a time to say thank you, remember our journey, and look ahead to the future of healthcare in Norfolk County.

Everyone is welcome. We hope to see you there!

Be a Part of Our Story

We invite you to celebrate this milestone with us, reflect on NGH and NHNH’s impact, and help shape the next 100 years of care.

[Share Your Story]