The last Catholic hospital in Nova Scotia has transitioned to a secular institution as the Antigonish hospital formally severs ties with the Sisters of St. Martha, the order of nuns who founded the facility in 1905.
The Sisters of St. Martha, recognized for their contributions to healthcare and as spiritual guides within the community, concluded their association with St. Martha’s Regional Hospital on Thursday. The hospital is now officially known as Antigonish Memorial Regional Hospital.
Sister Brendalee Boisvert, the congregation leader for the Marthas, acknowledged that some individuals may always refer to the hospital as St. Martha’s. She highlighted that the decision to disengage was influenced significantly by the declining number of nuns, with an average age of 87. Despite this change, the 49 remaining nuns are committed to continuing their service to the community for as long as possible.
While the Marthas had hoped that another organization, Catholic Health International based in New Brunswick, would take over their mission, Nova Scotia Health and the provincial government opted not to proceed with this transition.
Brett MacDougall, the vice-president of operations for Nova Scotia Health’s eastern zone, explained that the decision was based on the longstanding relationship with the Sisters of St. Martha. An agreement dating back to 1996 ensured that the hospital’s policies aligned with Catholic principles. Although medical assistance in dying has been available at an adjacent facility since 2019 due to restrictions within the hospital, abortions have never been permitted at the hospital due to its Catholic affiliation.
Anticipated changes at the newly named Antigonish Regional Memorial Hospital are primarily cosmetic. The replacement of old signage and the relocation of two wooden statues depicting a nursing student and a nun to the Antigonish Heritage Museum are among the initial modifications.
The community’s access to medical services, including abortions, is a topic of ongoing discussion. Since Nova Scotia government funding for medical abortions began in 2017, the preference for this method has increased among women seeking pregnancy termination.
The relocation of the Sisters of St. Martha’s statues signifies a symbolic shift at the hospital, with the nuns’ departure leaving a notable impact on staff and patients alike.
