When the doors to Guelph General Hospital were opened on August 16, 1875, the hospital had 12 beds, a small infectious room, and a dispensary. A superintendent and two nurses provided care, as well as working in the kitchen, housekeeping, switchboard, and laundry. Today, Guelph General Hospital is a dynamic, comprehensive acute care facility providing a full range of services to the residents of Guelph and Wellington County. Services include 24-hour emergency coverage, advanced technology and diagnostic support, and specialty programs such as being the regional provider for general vascular surgery and a designated Provincial Centre of Excellence for bariatric surgery.