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As Sikhs and other followers around the world celebrate Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday today, William Osler Health System (Osler) is using the occasion to recognize the local Sikh community for their contributions toward Brampton Civic Hospital.
Brampton Civic opened in 2007 and funds raised by the Sikh community helped complete the development of the hospital. The generosity of the Sikh community was recognized with the hospital’s Emergency Department being named for Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.
As an update to the hospital, the original ‘Guru Nanak’ signage near the Emergency Department entrance on the south side of the building will be replaced with new, more prominent signage atop the entrance. This is being made possible thanks to a gift from Karnail Singh Khalsa of Best Canadian Truck and Forklift Training Centre, who has provided funds to purchase and install the new lettering, as well as support from community member, Satpaul Singh Johal.
The new sign was unveiled today during a virtual press event. Installation and an in-person celebration will take place in the new year, when health and safety restrictions allow.
“It’s an honour to help celebrate Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab today by acknowledging the support of the Sikh community, which stepped forward in unprecedented ways to support the opening of Brampton Civic thirteen years ago,” said Dr. Naveed Mohammad, President and CEO of William Osler Health System. “The richness of our community’s diversity is reflected in our staff, physicians, volunteers, and patients, and we’re so pleased we can recognize that through the name of our Brampton Civic Hospital Emergency Department – which continues to provide vital care for all residents in the area.”
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab is one of the most important festivals in the Sikh calendar, celebrated with prayer, parades and community service.
“We wish a very happy Gurpurab to all who are celebrating today. When we were raising funds to build Brampton Civic, the Sikh community committed support to help bring this much-needed new hospital to the city, and we are forever grateful,” said Ken Mayhew, President and CEO, William Osler Health System Foundation. “Now, as we face certainly one of the greatest community challenge of our lives, community support is needed now more than ever to ensure our Health Care Heroes have the tools they need to keep saving lives.”
The Brampton Civic Emergency Department is one of the busiest in Canada, providing care to Brampton and area residents. Last year, its staff and physicians provided care through more than 134,000 emergency patient visits.
Community funds pay for 100% of the equipment in hospitals. Donations to the Health Care Heroes campaign will help purchase essential equipment like ventilators, electric beds and vein finders to help Osler physicians meet the increased demand caused by the pandemic.
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