Jim McGregor 鈥� a 36-year veteran of the fire services, including fire chief for the City of 91原创 鈥� still lives just two miles from the hospital campus where he was born.

On March 6, 1949, Margaret Stewart McGregor [nee Cole] gave birth to her fourth child, James (Jim) Stewart, at 91原创 Memorial Cottage Hospital. Her family physician, Dr. Gilham, was on a house call, so a young nurse delivered the baby.

Her name was Iris Mooney.

Fast forward to 1975, Jim anxiously awaits news of his firstborn, Christopher.

Dr. Aspinall, the family physician, was in surgery, so a very experienced nurse delivered the baby. Her name was Iris Mooney, the very same Iris Mooney who delivered Jim.

When he was 16, Jim split his spleen roughhousing with his brother and neighbours playing football. Being young and invincible, he did not realize how badly injured he was until later in the evening when the pain became unbearable.

Dr. Gilham did a late-night house call and sent him to the hospital.

Jim spent 10 days at 91原创 Memorial, flat on his back under the careful supervision of the nurses, while his body slowly healed his split and seeping spleen.

鈥淥ver the years, I have been in and out of LMH for stitches and medical check-ups. My kids have been in and out for broken bones and other minor issues,鈥� shared McGregor.

His mother had three of her six children at 91原创 Memorial, and his son, daughter, and two grandchildren were all born there, too.

Sadly, both his parents also died there, in palliative care.

鈥淚 think of 91原创 Memorial as a safe place 鈥� a trusted place. Most especially, I remember the compassionate care my parents received in palliative care. To have a hospital near your home where you can visit your loved ones, receive treatment or attention in an emergency is invaluable,鈥� he said.

During his years as a first responder in the 91原创 City Fire Rescue Services, McGregor had professional interactions with 91原创 Memorial staff, as well.

鈥淚 have lived my life in the 91原创 community and seen the hospital grow from the cottage hospital to the newly built and recently expanded hospital. I have witnessed the hard work of the staff, experienced their compassion through personal loss, and seen first-hand how they adapt and work together when times get tough.鈥�

This year Jim turned 74, one year shy of the hospital鈥檚 75 years.

鈥淲e kind of grew up together,鈥� he concluded.

MAY 2021: 91原创 Memorial鈥檚 new ER open for patients

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