Vitalité Health Network celebrates 50th anniversary of Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC inauguration by honouring two of its illustrious pioneers

Vitalité Health Network proudly celebrates the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre (UHC), marking half a century of excellence in French-language health care in New Brunswick.

This milestone was highlighted by the unveiling of a commemorative mural at the entrance to the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC to honour the memory of the visionaries who shaped this facility and inspire future generations. The ceremony brought together patients, employees, partners and dignitaries, including Pierre J. LeBouthillier, Executive Director of the facility from 1973 to 2006, and family members of Gilbert Finn, Chairman of the Board of Directors from 1971 to 1987.

Founded in 1922 as Hôtel-Dieu de l’Assomption by the Sisters of Providence, the facility now has nearly 300 beds and has become a provincial centre of excellence offering primary, specialized and tertiary care, including cancer treatment and trauma care, in both official languages.

The Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC also stands out for its innovative programs, such as Canada’s first French-language bachelor program in radiological technology (tripartite agreement), and its partnerships with the Université de Moncton and the Université de Sherbrooke.

The mural, installed at the main entrance thanks to the initiative of the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC physicians, Vitalité Health Network and the CHU Dumont Founation, embodies the legacy of the facility's pioneers, explained Dr. Linda LeBlanc and Dr. Stéphanie Melanson, co-chairs of the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC Medical Staff.

“In 1975, the inauguration of the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC marked a turning point for francophone health care, thanks to the perseverance of pioneers such as Pierre LeBouthillier and Gilbert Finn," explained Dr. LeBlanc. "This mural, inspired by Claude Bourque's Rêves de visionnaires [visionaries’ dreams], celebrates the legacy of the visionary leaders and builders. It embodies our commitment to providing humane, accessible care, while looking to a future where health remains at the heart of our community," concluded Dr. Melanson.

Dr. France Desrosiers, President and CEO of Vitalité Health Network added:  "The Dr.-Georges-L.-Dumont UHC is much more than a hospital; it's a symbol of Acadian resilience and pride. This mural, unveiled for our 50th anniversary, immortalizes the legacy of visionaries like Mr. Finn and Mr. LeBouthillier, while reminding us of our mission: to provide quality care in French, supported by state-of-the-art technology and a dedicated community."

The CHU Dumont Foundation, created in 1983, has played a key role in improving care through community generosity, supporting projects such as the Mgr. Henri-Cormier Lodge, the surgical robot and equipment for the Dr. Léon-Richard Oncology Centre. The ceremony included a call for donations for initiatives such as the acquisition of equipment for home hemodialysis, as well as encouragement to participate in campaigns such as the Tree of Hope and the Valentine's Day Gala.

"This 50th anniversary is a celebration of life, compassion and excellence. The mural is a tribute to our past and a promise for the future. We thank the community for its continued support and invite the community to keep up this momentum to build a healthy future," concluded Dr. Desrosiers.