The Willett has provided vital medical services to the residents of Paris, Brant County and surrounding area since 1922. The Willett is an institution that is truly at the heart of Paris. Its community banded together to bring the dream of a community hospital to fruition and, in later years, united again to advocate for its continued operation.
- At the turn of the century, it was evident that Paris needed a medical facility and local doctor Daniel Dunton began to advocate for it. Dr. Dunton’s widow Anne Willett bequeathed $20,000 in total towards the new facility that would bear her name.
- July 1, 1922 – The Willett officially opened. The 18-bed hospital served 265 patients, delivered 54 babies and performed 118 operations in its first year
- By 1926 the hospital had expanded to 24 beds and a staff of 11.
- In 1937 a first major building expansion increased capacity to 37 beds
- Additions in 1952 and 1962 added 61 more beds
- In 1984 a major expansion added an Urgent Care Centre and Radiology Department
- In 2001, the Willett joined Brantford General Hospital in becoming the Brant Community Healthcare System with a single management structure. Working together, the two hospitals have been able to focus on their strengths and bring out the best in each facility’s staff, programs and medical personnel.
Today The Willett, Paris is an acute care facility staffed by a dedicated team of physicians, nurses and support staff to provide rapid and expert diagnosis and care for non-emergent conditions. The Willett sees 20,000 visits on an annual basis, and the Transitional Unit provides 32 essential beds for patients waiting for another placement in the community. Additionally BCHS provides accommodation for 20 transitional care beds operated by the Thrive Group at the Willett, Paris.
Continued investment in diagnostic imaging is critical in order to keep our equipment alive! Having the most advanced technology allows us to conduct exams in a timely manner, provide the highest quality imaging, and the lowest radiation dose we can achieve. Our services need to be able to grow with the community.
Janina Squires, Medical Radiation TechnologistThis is an important service for people in our community… Transitional care programs ensure that patients who need special care can continue to get the support they need and give their families peace of mind.
Tammy Milimine, PSW, Transitional Care, The Willett
The Willett Urgent Care Centre currently has one multi-purpose radiology (x-ray) room that provides outpatient imaging and fluoroscopy technology services. The current diagnostic equipment, installed in 2004, is aging and needs technological upgrades to expand the range and number of exams that can be conducted.
A radiology upgrade for the Willett, including the purchase of new x-ray equipment, will cost approximately $350,000 and is critical to serve the needs of our growing community.