No hospitals or medical services were available in the immediate area when the Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories (CRNL) and Deep River were first established. The National Research Council (NRC) therefore established a “Plant Hospital” as well as a “Village Hospital” to meet those needs. By 1947 the two hospitals, under the directorship of W.E. Park, employed seven doctors. The 1948 NRC Review, which reviewed the 1947 activities, contains several interesting details of the two hospitals.
E.M. Renton, Branch Head – Plant Hospital Branch, reported: “Pre-employment examinations consisting of a physical examination, chest X-ray, blood and urine examination are carried out on all personnel. In addition, those workers employed in areas where there is potential exposure to radiation have complete blood examination every three months and X-ray examination of jaw and shoulder every 18 months. Wax impressions of the finger prints are carried out of all potentially exposed personnel in order to detect radiation effects on the finger tips. Techniques for the detection and measurement of uranium and plutonium in 24-hour urine specimens of potentially exposed workers are presently being finalized and in the near future these tests will become routine. “
W.R. Skelly, Branch Head – Village Hospital Branch, reported: “The past year saw a great increase in the number of patients treated at the Deep River Village Hospital (DRVH) which increase was largely due to attendances given to a larger number of patients residing outside of Deep River. The DRVH can accommodate twelve adults, six newborn infants, and about four small children although some crowding is necessary to do so. The hospital, including outpatient and inpatient departments, is staffed by three full-time physicians, two part-time physicians, two dentists, two dental nurses, sixteen medical nurses, one receptionist, two office clerks, two janitor orderlies and two kitchen maids. During the year there were 14, 614 attendees. Of this number 3,821 were patients residing outside of Deep River. There were 97 births and 273 operations. The high birth rate for the village is explained by the high proportion of young people living here. Dental service is given from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily, except on Saturday afternoons and Sundays. The Medical Fee Schedule was revised on July 15 resulting in increased rates in some cases.”
The relationship between DRVH and AECL evolved over the years, but in the mid-1970s continued to be strong. Jim Ungrin was a registered blood donor, and in about 1973 he received a call at his CRNL office from Human Resources asking if he could give a blood donation that afternoon in Deep River. Jim agreed and at 2:00 p.m. met the company car at the Plant gatehouse and was then transported to the Deep River hospital. Following Jim’s blood donation, the attending doctor asked him if he preferred rye or scotch. Jim replied rye, at which point the doctor opened his cupboard, poured 1.25 ounces into a glass and directed Jim to sip it slowly over the next 15 minutes after which he could walk home. Jim continued to give blood at Red Cross donor clinics for several decades after this event but the most he was ever offered was a doughnut. Oh for the good old days!
Today the DRVH has grown into the Deep River and District Hospital (DRDH), serving the Upper Ottawa Valley. In November 2019, the organization received Accreditation with Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada, the highest ranking conferred by Accreditation Canada.
The Nuclear Heritage group encourages past employees to add to the group’s collection of anecdotes and stories connected with the early days of the nuclear industry as well as artifacts they may have collected. Jim Ungrin at 613-584-3055 or ungrinjr@gmail.com will be happy to come around to collect any items you may have.
