A Brief History of Carewest

In 2011, we will be celebrating our 50th anniversary. We're proud of our history - but even prouder of our people and our ability to continuously embrace change to meet the needs of the community - leading the way as we go.

Previously known as Calgary Auxiliary Hospital and Nursing Home District No. 7, we officially became Carewest in August 1986. Since opening our first site in 1961, we have continued to grow and expand in response to the changing health needs of our community.

1961 - Carewest Cross Bow
1962 - Carewest Sarcee
1963 - Carewest Glenmore Park
1969 - Carewest George Boyack
1978 - Carewest Dr. Vernon Fanning
1998 - Carewest Royal Park
2000 - Carewest Signal Pointe
2000 - Carewest Nickle House
2003 - Carewest Colonel Belcher
2006 - Carewest Operational Stress Injury Clinic
2010 - Carewest Garrison Green

Carewest Cross Bow closed its doors in June 2004. Given its age and condition, it was no longer an appropriate setting for long-term care residents.

However, even though Carewest Cross Bow is no longer open to long-term care, we felt it was important to honour our history, the significant role Cross Bow played in the life of Carewest and the excellent care provided to patients and residents over the years.

As Carewest's first care centre, Cross Bow helped form the foundation of who we are and who we are becoming. In September 1961, the Cross Bow Auxiliary Hospital officially opened. Throughout the years Cross Bow thrived, bringing ongoing value to Carewest.

It is a testament to the commitment of staff and volunteers that Cross Bow remained opened for more than four decades as a forerunner to many of the programs Carewest offers today.

In 1999, the Regional Short Stay Transition Unit, one of Carewest's first rehabilitation and recovery programs, opened at Cross Bow. That eventually became the Regional Community Transition Program and expanded to 51 beds a year later. The end of residential services at Cross Bow highlights not only Carewest's evolution, but also our ever-present ability to adapt and change with the times.