Our History
Riverview Health Centre: Evolving with Innovation and Care
At Riverview Health Centre, we pride ourselves on our dynamic approach to healthcare. Our history is marked by a responsive and proactive stance towards the changing health needs of Manitobans, leading to the continuous evolution of our vital programs.
Established in 1911 as the Winnipeg Municipal Hospital, Riverview was at the forefront of modern medical care, home to the King Edward Memorial Hospital and the King George Hospital. These facilities were globally recognized for their advanced treatment of communicable diseases like typhoid fever, diphtheria, smallpox, and tuberculosis.
Our legacy includes a pivotal role during the 1953 poliomyelitis epidemic, providing critical care to numerous patients. This period of intense challenge showcased our commitment to compassionate care and community support.
As we moved past the era of infectious diseases, our focus shifted to meet the needs of an aging population, culminating in the opening of the Princess Elizabeth Hospital in 1950, Canada’s first long-term care facility. The 1960s saw us specialize in treating chronic conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy, always with a patient-centered approach to uphold dignity and independence.
The 1980s brought the first purpose-built day hospital, allowing seniors to access essential services empowering them to remain at home in their communities. In 1993, we embraced our identity as Riverview Health Centre, further solidified by a significant renewal project in 1995 that replaced outdated structures with a state-of-the-art complex.
This still vibrant, contemporary space includes personal care communities, hospital communities, and the Atrium, a ‘town square’ which includes a family room, solarium, worship centre, cafeteria, hair salon, and gift shop. The Princess Elizabeth building – the only remaining original building – houses the Centre’s administration offices, the Riverview Research Centre, and the Riverview Health Centre Foundation.
The Alzheimer’s Centre of Excellence was opened in 2019, thanks to the outstanding support of donors to the Riverview Health Centre Foundation. Existing space was renovated and revitalized to better support individuals with advanced dementia, providing state-of-the-art environmental and technological supports and small-house environments to help promote quality of life and maximize comfort for residents.
At present, several of our tub rooms are undergoing extensive renovation that will transform them from institutional spaces to spa-like environments, bringing warmth and comfort to residents – yet another example of our continuous efforts to provide individualized living and care.
Today, Riverview stands as a 387-bed centre of excellence for rehabilitation, palliative care and long-term care, featuring progressive programs and a residentially designed environment that fosters healing and comfort. Our commitment to excellence has earned us continuous accreditation since 1924, a testament to our ability to adapt and envision the future of healthcare.
Our journey continues, driven by a dedication to innovation, care, and the well-being of each person we serve.
Riverview Health Centre – Honouring Voice, Respecting Choice.
Riverview Heritage Museum
Nestled in Room 238 of the Princess Elizabeth Building, the Riverview Heritage Museum is a testament to the rich history and bright future of Riverview Health Centre. It’s a place where the past meets the present, and the future is embraced with open arms.
The museum is a treasure trove of artifacts, photographs, and stories that weave together the Centre’s century-spanning narrative. It’s an organized showcase of our heritage—ranging from the poignant iron lungs of the 1950s polio epidemic to the medical paraphernalia that marked the advances of the time.
A Story of Resilience
Visitors to the museum are transported back in time through a visual chronicle of significant events like the Red River Flood of 1950. The imagery is powerful, capturing moments of resilience—like the barely visible ambulance submerged in floodwaters and the rows of cribs holding children battling whooping cough.
A Foundation of Innovation
From Ruins to Renaissance The museum also marks the evolution of healthcare at Riverview. Where once stood the Winnipeg Municipal Hospital, now rises the modern Riverview Health Centre—a symbol of medical progress and compassionate care. The transformation from the old to the new is documented in vivid detail, celebrating the Centre’s commitment to innovation.
A Legacy of Learning
Beyond its historical artifacts, the museum highlights Riverview’s pivotal role in shaping nursing education in Canada. From its early days of focusing on communicable diseases to its current emphasis on geriatric and rehabilitative care, Riverview has been a beacon of learning and practice for generations of nurses.
The Riverview Heritage Museum is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm (closed on statutory and recognized holidays).
