The 1970s

Urgent renovations to the existing plant were completed in 1971, and the new 11-story wing was dedicated in 1975. The Dean Wing housed service areas and laboratories, central supply, the pharmacy, the morgue, diagnostic X-ray facilities, an emergency suite, and a 16-bed special care unit.

Additional areas were designated for intensive care facilities including two eight-bed cardiac units and a six-bed medical suite, and more patient facilities, increasing capacity by nearly one-third.

In the 1970s, new technology enabled doctors to diagnose and treat a range of vascular and cardiac problems, cancer and neurological disorders. New patient care programs reflected the needs of the 1970s: a neuroscience center, a diabetes program, a vascular surgery program, and a child health clinic. A new cardiology laboratory provided stress testing, echocardiography, and other sophisticated screenings for coronary patients. A crisis intervention center, a new birthing center, and a network of services supported the new emphasis on family.