One morning the Rev. Edward Cridge opened his back door and found that a sick
man had been left in his garden. He took care of the patient in the parsonage. It
was time that Victoria had a proper hospital and Rev. Cridge immediately asked
Governor Douglas for funds to build it. Victoria's first hospital was a cottage at
the corner of Yates and Broad Streets on land donated by Ann Blinkhorn. Need quickly
outgrew the cottage and a larger building was obtained on the Songees Reserve.

   Named the Royal Hospital, it was only for male patients. A female infirmary was
built in 1864 on Pandora Hill, east of Cook St., on Garbally Rd. The Royal Hospital
was amalgamated with the Female Infirmary in 1869. Again need outgrew this facility
and in 1890 the Royal Jubilee Hospital would open at its present location at Fort
and Richmond. There was space for 100 patients, 50 ordinary and 50 paying.

   The Directory of BC, 1877 lists Royal Hospitals in Victoria (Pandora Ave), New
Westminster, Barkerville and Nanaimo. These were public hospitals and were partially
funded by the Provincial Government. There was also a Marine Hospital, Victoria West
(maintained by the Dominion Government), the Lunatic Asylum, New Westminster
(Provincial Government), French Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital, both on Collinson
St., Victoria.