Outstanding care, always.

Many theories were entertained during the nineteenth century to account for the infections afflicting society. The Miasmist theory attributed infection to an unhealthy environment. Although not the specific cause, it had a positive effect by improving sanitation in urban communities. The contagion theory emerged from experience with smallpox and epidemics of cholera and typhus. This led to the practice of isolation of the sick. In Kingston, a smallpox ward was created in the Watkins Wing and subsequently a separate smallpox hospital was established adjacent to the Kingston General Hospital.

During the latter half of the nineteenth century, the germ theory of infection was confirmed. Louis Pasteur in a series of experiments between 1866 and 1876 provided evidence that germs cause infection and sterilization killed germs. Robert Koch between 1876 and 1882 isolated the anthrax bacillus and the tubercle bacillus as the specific cause of these infections. The concept of a specific microorganism for each infection and the method of spread of these germs was widely accepted.

The principle of isolation of infectious disease was acknowledged by the Board of the hospital. The need for an appropriate isolation facility was recognized. A bequest of $10,000 from the estate of William Nickle, a generous benefactor of the hospital provided the funds for the construction of the Nickle Wing.

The Nickle Wing, a three storey limestone structure was opened in April 1891. The first floor provided accommodation for the superintendent and nurses quarters. The second and third floors were designed as isolation units for the care of patients with infectious disease. Each floor had a central nursing station with outside patient rooms.

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