The Montreal Chest Institute celebrates 100 years of excellence
Message from Queen Elizabeth and virtual re-enactment of the Royal opening signal worldwide impact of this Montreal gem
Today, the Montreal Chest Institute celebrated its 100th
anniversary at the site of its future home, the Glen Campus of the
۲ݮƵ University Health Centre (MUHC) – honouring its past
visionaries and reaffirming its commitment to excellence in the
prevention, treatment and research of respiratory medicine.
In 1909, a group of Montreal citizens committed to combat
tuberculosis – a disease as prominent back then as HIV/AIDS is
today and that at the time claimed 12,000 lives a year in the
Quebec region alone. The Burland family donated their home and the
group hired staff and recruited Kind Edward the VII as patron,
creating the Royal Edward Institute – what is now known as the
Montreal Chest Institute. The official opening happened on October
21, 1909, when King Edward VII, in a country home in England,
pushed a button that sent a current through an underground cable
across the Atlantic Ocean to open the doors of the Royal Edward
Institute. This historic first was re-enacted through a video shown
at today’s event.
“The treatment of respiratory diseases has now expanded far beyond
tuberculosis, and the doctors and healthcare professionals of the
MCI are proud to celebrate the past 100 years that have made this
establishment a centre of excellence,” said Dr. Richard Menzies,
Director of the MCI.
“Over the years, thanks to our many donors and supporters, the MCI
has remained a pioneer in research and treatment of respiratory
ailments,” said Susan Curry, President of the MCI Foundation.
The event not only celebrated the honoured institution but also
symbolized a turning point towards the future with the transition
to the new hospital at the Glen Campus; one where patients will
benefit from single-patient rooms and the latest treatments at an
outstanding medical facility.
“Today, we mark one hundred years of world-class medicine, research and teaching; one hundred years of history-shaping contributions from the professionals and philanthropists who first breathed life into the Royal Edward and then into the Montreal Chest Institute,” concluded the Hon. Arthur T. Porter, Director General and CEO of the MUHC. “Before the end of the year, we will also usher in a new era. I look forward to breaking ground at the Glen Campus so that our experts can continue to push the boundaries of new knowledge.”
About the ۲ݮƵ University Health Centre
The ۲ݮƵ University Health Centre (MUHC) is a comprehensive
academic health institution with an international reputation for
excellence in clinical programs, research and teaching. Its partner
hospitals are the Montreal Children's Hospital, the Montreal
General Hospital, the Royal Victoria Hospital, the Montreal
Neurological Hospital and Institute, the Montreal Chest Institute
and the Lachine Hospital. The goal of the MUHC is to provide
patient care based on the most advanced knowledge in the healthcare
field, and to contribute to the development of new knowledge.
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Copy of Queen Elizabeth’s letter available
Photos of event available
Video footage of re-enactment available
For information contact:
Danielle Taylor, Media Relations
danielle.taylor [at] muhc.mcgill.ca
514-934-1934, 34319