History of the Plummer Memorial Public Hospital

The Plummer Hospital had its beginnings in 1906 when a group of citizens founded the Algoma Benevolent Hospital Association. Eleven years later in 1917, through the efforts of association president Frank Davey and auxiliary president Mrs. R.C. Smith, the association established the first non-sectarian hospital in northern Ontario.

The 18-bed hospital first opened in a house on Albert Street East, with the nursing school opening one year later in 1918. In 1920, the family of the late W.H. and Maria Plummer donated their family home Lynnhurst and the hospital moved to its former Queen Street location, changing its name from the Royal Victoria to the Plummer Memorial Public Hospital.

Population growth led to additions to the hospital in 1929 and 1952 and in 1959, the nurses' residence (formerly Riverview Centre) was completed. In 1962, Lynnhurst was demolished and the Plummer, in cooperation with the General, completed major renovations.

In 1984, the two Red Cross Hospitals in Thessalon and Richards Landing came under the umbrella of the Plummer Hospital until April, 2013 when the operation of these two satellite facilities was transferred to the Blind River District Health Centre.

In 1994, the Plummer opened the Renal Wing, last local hospital addition of the 20th century.

Throughout its history, the Plummer has remained committed to providing community-based programs which provide for the needs of the residents of Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding communities.

Past Plummer Hospital Board Chairs