The 1960s

A new dimension of patient care evolved in the 1960s as the hospital became more sophisticated and treatment became more specialized. The specialization trend in the 1960s bred a host of new services, reflecting technology advances in equipment and procedures. As the medical and caring reputation of the hospital grew, so did its role as a teaching facility; its nursing school was well established, and the hospital now had internships for doctors and dentists, and for chaplains.

In 1966, the first class of seven graduated from its new School of Radiology with training in such specialties as general X-ray, cobalt therapy, and nuclear medicine. A decade later, the school remained at the forefront, as CAT-scans and ultrasound equipment were developed to reduce radiation exposure while providing clearer images.

As the hospital celebrated its 75th anniversary, it was time to embark on its most expensive expansion and modernization program. A medical and administrative committee began by considering future needs—to reexamine and understand changes and trends in healthcare and their community—and to mold their vision of a changed hospital. They hired an architect to develop a long-range master plan for future growth within the limits of available property. And they organized the hospital’s largest fundraising effort ever—as estimated $12 million for a 280-bed wing and a 500-car parking lot. With loans, the project would eventually cost $18 million.