Founded in 1907 the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine stands before you. It’s a place of healing hope and incredible history. Imagine a time when infant mortality in Montreal was alarmingly high. One in four children died before their first birthday. This was the reality that spurred Justine Lacoste-Beaubien and Dr Irma Levasseur into action. They were pioneers. Dr Levasseur was the first French-Canadian woman to become a doctor. Together they founded the original Sainte-Justine Hospital.
The hospital wasn’t always here on Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine. It began humbly on rue Saint-Denis. It moved several times growing with the city and its needs. The Sisters of the Congregation of the Daughters of Wisdom joined the effort in 1910 providing their expertise and support. The hospital grew expanded its services becoming a leading center for mother and child care.
Today the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine is the largest mother and child center in Canada. It’s among the top four pediatric centers in North America. It’s affiliated with the Université de Montréal a vital link to education and research. Over 200 researchers work at its research center. They push boundaries in areas like brain diseases musculoskeletal issues and neonatal disorders. They fight against cancer viral diseases and immune disorders.
The hospital has seen extraordinary growth. In 2018 a major expansion added a new seven-story wing increasing its size by 65%. This reflects its ongoing commitment to providing the best possible care. Its Level 1 pediatric trauma center treats children from across Quebec. It specializes in pediatric liver transplantation pediatric craniofacial surgery and burn surgery. It also provides comprehensive services in all pediatric specialties. Think of organ transplantation oncology hematology and child psychiatry. The Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine is a provincial reference center for deafness chronic pain and developmental disorders. It’s more than a hospital. It’s a beacon of hope for families.
In 2022 the hospital received a remarkable donation 40 million dollars. This historic gift supports pediatric cancer research. This was the largest donation ever given to a hospital in Quebec’s history. It underscores the community’s deep connection to this institution its unwavering faith in its mission. The Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine has come a long way. It continues to evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of families and children. Its legacy is one of compassion innovation and unwavering dedication to the health and well-being of the next generation.