Our history—1950s highlights

1959 highlights:

• Radiologist donates part of salary to purchase x-ray equipment.

1958 highlights:

• Extremely high population, results in the elimination of private rooms and the conversion of four-bed wards to five-bed wards.

1957 highlights:

• Hospital establishes post-surgical facility.
• Busiest year since the hospital opened.
• Budget exceeds $500,000.

1956 highlights:

• Cost per patient per day is $17.86.

1955 highlights:

• Hospital successfully delivers and cares for 2-pound premature baby.

1954 highlights:

• An x-ray unit is purchased for $2,800. X-rays cost $1 each.
• Hospital receives first approval from Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

1953 highlights:

• Microtome, an instrument used to cut thin sections of organic tissue for study under a microscope, is purchased to aid in cancer diagnosis.

1952 highlights:

• Hospital purchases first electrocardiograph at a cost of $850.00.
• Two hundred woman form Clinton Memorial Hospital Women’s Guild.
• A system is installed for physician dictation of patient records.

1951 highlights:

• A new 64-bed, $950,000 "cathedral to healing" is dedicated on Sept. 21, and 3,000 attend open house.
• First hospital budget is $300,000.
• Dr. H.R. Bath is elected hospital’s first chief of staff.
• First baby, Vicki Priest, is born on October 4.

1950 highlights:

• Operating board is appointed and Elsie Delin is named the first administrator.

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