shíshálh Nation and VCH celebrate 60-year milestone of Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital
This year marked sixty years since Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital welcomed its first patients and 62 years since shíshálh Nation gifted the land to build the hospital.
The hospital opened in 1964 with 35 patient beds and a 12-bed nurse's residence. Currently, Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital is a 63-bed site that serves Langdale, Gibsons, Roberts Creek, Halfmoon Bay and Pender Harbour. Community health supports are also available at the Gibsons Health Unit and Pender Harbour and District Health Centre.
“We are grateful for the generosity of shíshálh Nation and the Chiefs and Matriarchs who had the foresight to donate land and prioritize health care for the growing population on the Sunshine Coast. We look forward to continued collaboration with shíshálh Nation to deliver culturally safe, quality care that addresses the needs of the community." - Darlene MacKinnon, Vice-President – Coastal Community of Care, VCH
60-year milestone of Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital
Present-day Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital, North Tower entrance.
The commemoration of our partnership with shíshálh Nation took place on Nov. 24, 2024, and included a land blessing by shíshálh Elders Beverly Dixon and Frank Dixon, welcome from Chief (lhe hiwus) Lenora Joe, shíshálh drummers and a feast hosted by shíshálh Nation.
Coast Salish weaver and fibre artist, Jessica Silvey, and her daughter weaving a commemorative blanket for the 60th anniversary of the Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital.