Remember St. Clare's

1970s - Milestones in Patient Care

1970s | Dedication | Photos | News Clips | Headlines

Nearly 21,000 emergency room patients were treated at St. Clare’s in 1970; 10 years earlier, that number was 5,800. Similar increases in patient volumes were in evidence throughout the hospital and prompted the need for a $14 million dollar expansion project.

The South-Wing expansion added 80 private rooms on the second and third floors and new diagnostic and treatment centers on the basement and first floor levels. Once again, the community responded with great enthusiasm. The General Electric Company pledged up to $650,000, matching dollar for dollar. contributions by its employees. The hospital’s medical-dental staff contributed more than $280,000 to the building fund drive while St. Clare’s 700 employees gave $165,000.

Beginning in July, 1974, new patient care areas began opening including the Critical Care Unit, Emergency Room, Cardiology and X-ray. One year later, as the project neared completion, the new lobby and entrance front were unveiled.

Also introduced during the 1970s was Total Patient Care, an innovative approach to nursing care, often described as "the return of the nursing nurse." For the next 20 years, Rosemary Reilly, RN, VP, would be synonymous with excellence in nursing leadership and patient care.

Two, free-standing residency programs were established; a one-year, general dentistry program and a three-year family medicine program. The ‘70s also marked the introduction of The Follies. The 1977 Auxiliary-sponsored production raised $12,000 toward furnishing and equipment for the new Family Health Center.

And in September, 1979 - just about 30 years to the day of St. Clare’s opening - Frank Dickershaid and Barney Fowler were reunited in an anniversary photo.

1970s | Dedication | Photos | News Clips | Headlines