St. Joseph's Hospital (Grey Nuns) of Gravelbourg
St. Joseph's Hospital (Grey Nuns) of Gravelbourg is a Canadian nonprofit healthcare institution founded by the Grey Nuns (Sisters of Charity) in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan. Established in 1927 under the direction of Dr. Francis Martial Lavoie, the hospital began operations in 1928 with 42 beds. It later expanded to include long-term care services through Foyer d’Youville, a dedicated unit for seniors established in 1961[1][5].

The facility originated as part of a broader initiative by the Grey Nuns, who played a pivotal role in founding Catholic healthcare institutions across Western Canada. In Gravelbourg, two Grey Nuns from Montreal oversaw the hospital's construction and early operations[1]. By 1942, the hospital began reserving beds for elderly care, laying the groundwork for Foyer d’Youville, which became operational in 1961[1].

As an accredited integrated healthcare facility, St. Joseph’s Hospital/Foyer d’Youville provides acute care and long-term residential services to Gravelbourg and surrounding communities. The institution reflects the Grey Nuns' mission of serving vulnerable populations, aligning with their historical work in establishing hospitals in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta[5].

Historical Context and Operations
St. Joseph's Hospital was part of the Catholic Hospital Conference of Saskatchewan, formed in 1943 to coordinate Catholic healthcare efforts[4]. The Grey Nuns' involvement in Gravelbourg mirrored their earlier efforts at St. Boniface Hospital (1871) in Manitoba and institutions in Regina, demonstrating their commitment to healthcare accessibility in rural and underserved regions[5].

Governance and Accreditation
The hospital operates under a nonprofit model, with governance structured around Catholic healthcare principles. It maintains accreditation through adherence to national healthcare standards, emphasizing holistic care and community service[1].