This mural displays major moments in RVH's history | Mik Horvath/MBC
On January 15, 1926, Renfrew Victoria Hospital (RVH) went up in flames, destroying nearly everything on-site.
Patients were evacuated to the hotel on main street, which itself burned down at a later date, the property currently occupied by the Bank of Nova Scotia.
Despite the tragic loss Renfrew banded together and within a year a new facility was constructed with even greater capacity expanding from 12 beds to 50.
RVH Foundation executive director, Patti Dillabough, said it was a very impressive feat especially considering how far technology has developed since yester-century.
Community help has always been an important factor in RVH’s ability to keep Renfrew safe and healthy.
Donations made through fundraising for example, have funded new equipment and the rehabilitation of old.
Pat McGregor’s 30 for 30 is just one of the generous efforts by a local which raised $31,861 for RVH’s dialysis unit.
Dillabough said monumental efforts, such as the 30 for 30, helps keep the hospital alive and running.
It’s also important for the community to reflect on its impact, because Dillabough said not many residents are aware of RVH’s extensive history.
Swinging a right down the hall through entrance “C” directs curious minds to a mural depicting important moments in RVH’s history.
The most recent checkpoint is 2015 when RVH underwent its largest expansion to date which includes the addition of their nephrology centre.
(Written by Mik Horvath)
