As of March 21, 2025, MGH鈥檚 main entrance on Coxwell Avenue is closed as the next phase of our redevelopment project begins. Patients and visitors can use the new temporary main entrance on Sammon Avenue between Coxwell Avenue and Knight Street. View our campus map.
When Pam Jones, an experienced surgical nurse, arrived in Toronto from Jamaica in 1987, she was placed by an agency at Michael 九游体育 (MGH) 鈥� and never looked back.
Last week, Pam Jones was honoured at MGH's long service awards for an impressive career spanning three decades, including earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the age of 50, working across multiple Hospital units, and offering her insight on historical renovations that have transformed how the East Toronto hospital delivers care.
As MGH prepares to break ground on the largest construction project in its history this spring, Pam reflects on a few of the Hospital's revitalization projects through the years.
鈥業t was like a new beginning'
In the 1990s, Pam was involved in the planning of the Operating Room (OR) suite renovations. She remembers the anticipation and staff excitement as the new OR features were unveiled, including sensor doors and taps, larger and brighter rooms, big windows, enhanced computerization and a waiting room for family staffed by a volunteer.
鈥淓veryone wanted to come to work here,鈥� says Pam. 鈥淚t was like a new beginning.鈥�
While MGH has always been recognized for its quality and patient-centred care, the Hospital has been challenged in recent years by aging facilities, including spaces dating back nearly 70 years.
The new eight-storey Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre will include 215 acute care inpatient beds with 80 per cent single patient rooms with private washrooms. Clear intuitive signage with increased use of natural light, outdoor terraces and lush landscaping will create a more holistic setting for patients and families to receive care. Four levels of underground parking will make it easier for everyone to access the new campus, including improved pedestrian access, expansive vehicular drop-offs and state-of-the-art technology and equipment.
Marking a milestone in MGH's history
After 13 years working on medicine and surgery units, Pam feels especially connected to the Pre-Operative Assessment Clinic (PAC), understanding the importance of ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely for patients on the day of surgery.
鈥淣ursing is all I have ever wanted to do,鈥� says Pam. 鈥淐oming to North America opened up a whole new world for me. East General (MGH) became my home. I feel like I'm a contributor, a part of this organization.鈥�
In 2008, Pam moved to , where she still works today. She recalls the enhancements that were made to the Endoscopy suite in 2006.
鈥淭he pain of the move was definitely worth the improved environment!鈥� she says. 鈥淓very once in a while when I am in the Endoscopy lunchroom, I visualize what things were like in the old OR, and realize I'm sitting in the exact spot where the glass dome for the surgical viewing theatre was once located.鈥�
With change comes new technology and Pam speaks proudly about being part of the first laparoscopic procedure performed at MGH in the 1990s, or seeing the surgical robot arrive at MGH just a few years ago.
鈥淓very new experience and move I made was positive and gave me something new to learn,鈥� she says. 鈥淢y journey at MGH has been amazing. I've been able to pursue my passion of surgical nursing, made life-long relationships and met patients at all stages of the healthcare continuum.鈥�
To get the latest updates on MGH's redevelopment project, visit .