- South Huron Hospital and Medical Centre, Exeter, Ontario

History of the South Huron Hospital

This history of the Carling property on which South Huron Hospital is built goes back to the beginning of Exeter. The original house was built in 1854. When the estate was offered for sale in 1951, the South Huron Hospital Association purchased it and made the decision to incorporate the old home into the hospital plans. The Exeter Lions Club originally spearheaded the hospital project. The first manager was H. C. Rivers and the first superintendent was Alice Claypole. The hospital opened in 1953 with 35 beds and 30 staff members.
A financial gift from Dr. James Bell allowed for the construction of Nurses residence, which housed a class of 14 RNAs. Once the nursing program was closed, this residence became the existing Exeter Professional Centre.
In 1961 a new wing was built on the original house increasing the hospital’s capacity to 52 beds. Further expansion in 1966 added kitchen, dining room and laundry facilities. In 1976, due to the deterioration of the 122-year old house and because the hospital needed expansion, the Board of Directors regretfully decided to demolish the original house and replace it with more modern facilities. In 2008, the Emergency Department was completely renovated. Additional patient treatment rooms were added to enhance patient care while complying with current infection control standards.

South Huron Hospital Foundation

Visit the SHHF Website
click here

Donate to the SHHA Foundation

Donate to the SHHA Auxiliary

Events Calendar

SHHA Administration

Contact Information:
Phone 519-235-2700
or E-mail: click here
South Huron Medical Centre:
Phone 519-235-3343