Memorial Hospital was built in 1923-1924, when the City of St. Thomas required expanded hospital services following the First World War. It was located at 43-45 Pearl Street and officially opened on November 19, 1924. During the opening of the hospital the Statue of a Canadian Soldier was unveiled by Brigadier General W.B. King, C.M.G., D.S.O.; Central Window in Memorial Hall was unveiled by Arthur Barons, Warden of Elgin; Nursing Sister Window was unveiled by Rev. Monseigneur West; Victorious Canadian Soldier Window was unveiled by Frank A. Lemon and Memorial Tablets were unveiled by Captain J.D. Curtis, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Nursing education in the city continued under the auspices of the new hospital, under the name Memorial Hospital Training School for Nurses. A further expansion of hospital services was required following the Second World War and the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital was constructed and opened on May 11, 1954. Memorial Hospital continued to operate, as a chronic care unit of the new hospital and was used for a time as a chronic care facility. Memorial Hospital closed in 1990 and was leveled in 1998.
