St. Martha’s Regional Hospital to become Antigonish Memorial Regional Hospital

For generations, the name St. Martha’s Regional Hospital has been closely connected with health care in Antigonish and communities throughout northeastern Nova Scotia.

That familiar name is about to change.

Effective October 1, 2026, St. Martha’s Regional Hospital will officially become Antigonish Memorial Regional Hospital.

The name change follows the pending conclusion of the Mission Assurance Agreement on September 30 between the Sisters of St. Martha, the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness and Nova Scotia Health.

While the name on the building will change, the new name is intended to recognize both the hospital’s future and its past.

The name Antigonish Memorial Regional Hospital was developed from suggestions shared during internal engagement sessions and activities held in June. Hospital staff, physicians, volunteers and learners were invited to share their thoughts as part of the process.

Three parts of the new name were identified as particularly important.

Antigonish reflects the geographic location of the hospital and its connection to the community it serves.

Memorial recognizes the history of the site and, in particular, the Sisters of St. Martha and their 120 years of dedication, care and service.

And Regional Hospital reflects the level of care and the range of services provided at the Antigonish site.

The Sisters played a significant role in the development and history of health care in the community. Their connection to the hospital has been part of its identity for generations, and the inclusion of “Memorial” in the new name is intended to ensure that contribution continues to be recognized.

The name change is also part of a larger transition.

Nova Scotia Health says work is already underway to update priority signage, its website and other materials to reflect the new name by October 1, wherever possible.

However, not every sign or document may change overnight.

Some updates are expected to continue beyond October 1 as part of the broader transition to the new name.

That means patients and visitors may see both names during the changeover period.

The new name also aligns with Nova Scotia Health’s Facility Naming Policy.

For many people, the change will take some getting used to. The St. Martha’s name has been part of conversations, directions, appointments and family memories for decades.

People have said they were born at St. Martha’s. They have visited loved ones there, received treatment there and, in some of life’s most difficult moments, said goodbye there.

That history is one reason the transition planning includes more than changing signs.

Nova Scotia Health says recognition activities are being planned, along with the development of a permanent reflection space at the hospital.

It is a new chapter for one of the region’s most recognizable health-care institutions, while also creating a lasting connection to the people and history behind the St. Martha’s name.