The Waterford Hospital has a long and complicated past

The Waterford Hospital opened in St. John's in 1854 to treat Mental and Nervous Diseases; it was not named the Waterford Hospital until 1972. It is one of the oldest health-care facilities in Newfoundland and Labrador.

In the early days, the treatment for those suffering from mental health issues was harmful and considered cruel by today's standards. The Waterford was open during these times and conducted some experiments and treatments that resulted in trauma.

There are also some good stories to come out of the building. In modern times, mental health is more broadly and appropriately treated. The hospital and its staff have done a lot of good, and people have received the help they needed.

From the outside, the building shows its age, the grounds are overgrown and no longer cared for, and the facade of the building has seen better days.

Inside, the building is old, worn, and in need of major upgrades; the fact that it was recently opened as a hospital is alarming.

The Waterford Hospital still houses offices and provides outpatient blood collection services.

The building was partially closed when the new Mental Health and Addiction Facility opened earlier this year.

The building is expected to close permanently in 2026.