St. Paul’s Hospital has served the people of Saskatoon and Saskatchewan with compassionate, holistic care since 1907. Today, as part of the Emmanuel Health family, the Hospital continues to lead with faith, innovation, and community connection.
Our History
A Legacy of Care Since 1907
The story of St. Paul’s Hospital begins with a crisis – and a calling. In 1907, a typhoid outbreak among railway workers in Saskatoon overwhelmed the city’s limited medical resources. Oblate priests caring for the sick in the Catholic rectory prayed for help. Their prayers were answered when two Grey Nuns – Sister Guay and Sister Phaneuf – passed through Saskatoon on their return to St. Boniface in Montreal.
Seeing the urgent need, the sisters chose to stay. With no hospital building available, Dr. J. H. C. Willoughby offered his own home to care for patients. This home, located near what is now the current visitor’s parking lot, became the first St. Paul’s Hospital.
A permanent hospital was built in 1912, setting the foundation for a tradition of service that has endured for more than a century.
Why Faith-Based Care Matters
From the very beginning, St. Paul’s has been inspired by the mission of Saint Marguerite d’Youville, the founder of the Grey Nuns. She served those who were the most vulnerable, and her example of dignity, compassion and justice continues to shape our approach to health care today.
Faith-based care means treating each person as a whole – body, mind, and spirit – recognizing the inherent dignity of every individual. It means providing comfort during life’s most vulnerable moments, guided by the belief that health care is a ministry of healing and human connection.
Historic Milestones
1907: First hospital opens in Dr. Willoughby’s home
1963: “B Wing” constructed, replacing the original building
1989: “A Wing” added to expand hospital services
1995: Affiliation agreement signed with Saskatoon District Health (now known as the Saskatchewan Health Authority)
1999: Ownership transferred from the Grey Nuns to Saskatchewan Catholic Health Corporation
2018: Ownership transferred to Emmanuel Health
Today, St. Paul’s Hospital continues to serve Saskatoon and northern Saskatchewan as an acute care teaching facility, offering a broad range of services while upholding its Catholic health care legacy.
Partnership with Saskatchewan Health Authority
Together, We are Stronger
In 1996, St. Paul’s made history when it became the first independently affiliated hospital in Canada to manage health services alongside a regional authority, and this connection continues to this day. As a Provincial Hospital Affiliate, St. Paul’s works within the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s strategic plan, serving as a valued partner in delivering essential health care services to communities across the province.
Explore our Programs & Services here to learn more.
Governance at a Glance
Board and Council Leadership
St. Paul’s Hospital Local Council
As the Hospital’s governing body, the Local Council functions as a committee of the Emmanuel Health Board of Directors. It ensures local oversight and guides decisions that reflect the hospital’s mission, values and commitment to faith-based health care.
The Local Council plays a critical role in identifying community health needs and serves as a vital link between the Hospital and Emmanuel Health leadership.
St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation Board of Directors
The Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors representing a wide range of professionals and community perspectives. The Board provides oversight for fundraising activities that support the evolving needs of the Hospital and Hospice at Glengarda.
This collaborative governance structure ensures alignment across hospital operations, community partnerships and donor impact.
Standing Centre (l-r) Kevin Sharfe (Vice-Chair), Gwen Dueck (Chair). Back Row (l-r) Alan Sklapsky, Glenn LaFleur, Larry Long, Dr. Vivian Walker (Past Chair), Dr. Bruce Berscheid (St. Paul’s Hospital Local Council), Shane Biehn, Steeg Holmes, Chris Donald. Seated (l-r) Tracy Muggli (SPH Executive Director), Lecina Hicke (SPH Foundation CEO), Lenore Howey, Carmen Levandoski. Not Pictured: Dr. Sharmi Jaggi
