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SickKids
Coat of Arms

The Coat of Arms of the Hospital for Sick Children

Designed in 1975 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Hospital's founding, the coat of arms was created by Dr. Robert Bruce Salter, a world renowned Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Hospital and the University of Toronto. He was a Companion of the Order of Canada, was awarded the Order of Ontario and was inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. His entire career was served at SickKids, from 1955 until his death in 2010.

• The red cross of St. George of England on a white background is symbolic of The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto being named after a similar institution in London, England. 
• The white square in the centre of the cross of St. George is the Canadian Red Maple Leaf of the Canadian flag.
• The rod of Aesculapius with a serpent entwined was the attribute of the Greek God of Medicine.
• The lighted lamp of Florence Nightingale recognizes the nursing staff.

Together these symbolize the Hospital's First Responsibility, patient care.

• The open book is symbolic of the Second Responsibility - the teaching of both the undergraduate and post graduate students at the University of Toronto.
• The ancient heraldic key, a symbol of mystery or enigma is the Third Responsibility - research. The key forms the letter E for excellence.