Memories of the original Dodsland Hospital live on
By Joan Janzen
The history of the original Dodsland Hospital was documented in the book Golden Milestones: Dodsland, Druid and Districts. The hospital’s story began in 1916, when Dr. Scroggy was trying to attend to patients from across the prairie settlement and provide proper care. At that time, he suggested the Gladys Hotel would make an ideal hospital.
It wasn’t long before the hotel and its buildings were purchased for $3,000, with few changes needed to transform it into a hospital. Dr. Dobson was the first resident doctor. During his 30 years in Dodsland, the hospital served patients from Coleville, Smiley, Loverna, Stranraer and Plenty. All the babies in the area were born at Dodsland Hospital during those years, and Mr. Rublee was the pharmacist, operating in the south corner of the hospital.
The following doctors practiced after Dr. Dobson: Dr. Wall, Dr. Kelly, Dr. Judge, Dr. Kenney, Dr. Ramsay, Dr. Shepherd, Dr. Wright and Dr. Silberman.
In 1946, it was recognized as a union hospital, with funding coming from the government and hospital guilds raising money for additional needs. According to the Dominion Bureau of Statistics, Dodsland Hospital had 23 adult beds, one crib and six bassinets in 1947. By 1965, it became evident a more modern facility was needed, and $108,000 was borrowed to build a new hospital.
The original Dodsland hospital with the drug store sign on the left.
Dr. Dobson was the first resident doctor at the Dodsland Hospital and remained there for 30 years. Photo posted by Robert Carruthers on Dodsland Saskatchewan People
Miss Ballah (left) and Ruth Gibson (right), both worked at Dodsland Hospital.
Dr. Dobson and staff.