Union's Hospital: A Historical Perspective

Union Hospital is a not-for-profit healthcare system in west-central Indiana, with its main facility in Terre Haute. Founded in 1892 as a 20-bed facility, it has since expanded to a 380-bed hospital, serving patients in west-central Indiana and east-central Illinois. Union Hospital has a rich history, including the establishment of a Training School for Nurses in the early 1900s and the development of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the 1960s, which significantly reduced infant mortality rates. Today, it is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to all in the Wabash Valley area.

Union Hospital was founded in 1892 as a 20-bed facility

Union Hospital, a not-for-profit healthcare system in west-central Indiana, was founded on August 11, 1892, as a 20-bed facility known as the Terre Haute Sanitarium. It was established by Dr. Benjamin F. Swafford and Dr. Leo J. Weinstein. The hospital's original name was changed in 1895 to the Union Home for Invalids after the founding doctors donated half of their holdings to a group of citizens of various Protestant and Jewish backgrounds.

In the years following its establishment, Union Hospital underwent several expansions and advancements. By the 1920s, the hospital had constructed a new seven-story building, significantly increasing its capacity. This expansion continued with additional construction in 1952. The hospital also had a Training School for Nurses, organised by Superintendent Sister Johanna M. Baur in 1900, which graduated over nine hundred nurses before closing in 1965. The school collaborated with Indiana State University to train their nursing students as well.

Union Hospital has a rich history of innovation and community service. In the 1960s, physicians Dr. Thomas Conway and Dr. William Scully pioneered groundbreaking practices in infant care, leading to the establishment of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in 1968. This unit substantially reduced infant mortality rates, demonstrating the hospital's commitment to advancing healthcare. Today, Union Hospital continues to serve the communities of west-central Indiana and east-central Illinois, offering high-quality care and technology to all residents in the Wabash Valley, regardless of their ability to pay.

Over time, Union Hospital has grown and evolved into a comprehensive healthcare system. From its early beginnings as a 20-bed facility, it has expanded to become a 380-bed regional referral centre with multiple locations, including Union Hospital Clinton and a large network of physicians and health clinics. The hospital consistently receives recognition for its high standards of care and technology, making it the provider of choice for Wabash Valley residents. Union Hospital remains committed to its not-for-profit status, ensuring that everyone in the region has access to quality, compassionate healthcare.

The hospital has since expanded, constructing a new seven-storey building in the 1920s

Union Hospital, located in Dover, Ohio, is a not-for-profit community hospital. It was founded in 1892 as a 20-bed facility and has since expanded significantly, constructing a new seven-storey building in the 1920s. This expansion marked a pivotal moment in the hospital's growth, allowing it to accommodate more patients and enhance its medical services.

The hospital has a long history of serving the communities of Tuscarawas, Carroll, and surrounding counties in eastern Ohio. With more than 300 medical staff and over 1,100 employees, Union Hospital is dedicated to delivering quality healthcare to those in the region. The hospital's commitment to expansion and improved services reflects its ongoing quest to meet the evolving needs of its patients and the community.

The construction of the new seven-storey building in the 1920s was a significant development for Union Hospital. This expansion not only increased the physical capacity of the hospital but also symbolised its growth and evolution as a medical institution. The additional space provided by the new building allowed for more patients, specialised departments, and advanced medical equipment, enabling the hospital to enhance its range of services and improve the patient experience.

The 1920s expansion also had a lasting impact on the hospital's architecture and infrastructure. The seven-storey building became a prominent feature of the hospital's campus, influencing the layout and design of subsequent additions. It set a precedent for vertical expansion, optimising the use of space and accommodating the growing needs of the hospital. The construction of this building demonstrated the hospital's forward-thinking approach and commitment to long-term development.

Union Hospital has continued to build on this expansion over the years, further solidifying its reputation as a leading healthcare provider in the region. In 1952, an addition was made to the seven-storey building, and in 1968, the hospital established a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), significantly reducing infant mortality rates. Today, Union Hospital is a 380-bed regional referral centre, serving patients in west-central Indiana and east-central Illinois, and remains committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to all.

Union Hospital is a not-for-profit healthcare system in west central Indiana

Union Hospital, founded on August 11, 1892, is a not-for-profit healthcare system in west-central Indiana. The hospital was initially established as a 20-bed facility called the Terre Haute Sanitarium by Dr. Benjamin F. Swafford and Dr. Leo J. Weinstein. In 1895, the name was changed to the Union Home for Invalids after the founding doctors donated half of their holdings to a group of citizens of various Protestant and Jewish backgrounds. The hospital underwent its first major expansion in the 1920s with the construction of a new seven-story building, followed by another addition in 1952.

Union Hospital has played a significant role in advancing healthcare practices. In the 1960s, physicians Dr. Thomas Conway and Dr. William Scully pioneered groundbreaking infant care research. Despite initial resistance from the Indiana Board of Health, they persevered with the support of the hospital superintendent. Their efforts led to the establishment of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in 1968, significantly reducing infant mortality rates.

The hospital has a long history of promoting education and training in the medical field. In 1900, Sister Johanna M. Baur, the superintendent of the building, established a Training School for Nurses. This school graduated over nine hundred nurses before its closure in 1965 and also collaborated with Indiana State University to train nursing students.

Today, Union Hospital is a 380-bed regional referral center, serving patients in west-central Indiana and east-central Illinois. It is the preferred healthcare provider for Wabash Valley residents and is known for its high-quality care, advanced technology, and commitment to serving everyone in the community, regardless of their ability to pay. With its main facility in Terre Haute, Indiana, Union Hospital also manages the Union Hospital Clinton in Clinton, Indiana, contributing to its extensive network of healthcare services in the region.

The hospital's first neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) was established in 1968

Union Hospital, located in Dover, Ohio, is a not-for-profit, community hospital serving Tuscarawas, Carroll, and surrounding counties in eastern Ohio. The hospital currently has over 300 medical providers on staff and employs more than 1,100 people.

The NICU is equipped with advanced technology and staffed by trained healthcare professionals, including neonatologists, pediatric fellows, residents, nurse practitioners, and nurses. These specialists provide around-the-clock care for infants who are born prematurely, have low birth weight, or have health conditions requiring specialized care. The NICU is divided into several areas, including critical care for babies requiring close monitoring, intermediate care for stable infants who still need specialized care, and a step-down unit for babies transitioning to discharge.

The establishment of the NICU at Union Hospital had a significant impact on reducing infant mortality. The number of deaths decreased from 15 per 1,000 to 6 per 1,000, showcasing the life-saving role of NICUs in providing specialized care for vulnerable newborns.

Union Hospital currently has over 300 medical providers and employs more than 1,100 staff

Union Hospital, located in Dover, Ohio, currently has over 300 medical providers and employs more than 1,100 staff. It is a not-for-profit, award-winning community hospital serving Tuscarawas, Carroll, and surrounding counties in eastern Ohio. Union Hospital is committed to providing the region with quality care and has established visiting hours for various areas of the hospital to ensure the safety and well-being of its patients.

The hospital has a long history of serving its community, dating back to its founding in 1892 as a 20-bed facility. Over the years, Union Hospital has expanded significantly and is now a 380-bed regional referral center, serving patients in west-central Indiana and east-central Illinois. The hospital has consistently received excellent marks for its high-quality care and technology, and its services are available to everyone in the Wabash Valley, regardless of their ability to pay.

Union Hospital has a rich history of innovation and improvement. In the 1920s, the hospital underwent its first major expansion, constructing a new seven-story building. This was followed by another addition in 1952. The hospital has also been a leader in neonatal care, with physicians Dr. Thomas Conway and Dr. William Scully researching and developing a new neonatal program in the 1960s. Their efforts led to the establishment of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in 1968, which significantly reduced the number of infant deaths.

The hospital has also been committed to education and the advancement of nursing. In 1900, Sister Johanna M. Baur, a noted nurse and superintendent of the building, organized a Training School for Nurses. This school graduated more than nine hundred nurses before it closed in 1965 and also collaborated to train nursing students from Indiana State University. Additionally, renowned nurse and aviator Ellen Church joined the hospital in 1951 as the Director of Nursing and was soon promoted to Hospital Administrator.

Union Hospital's current size and scope reflect its ongoing quest for improved and expanded services. With its large network of physicians and health clinics, it is the provider of choice for Wabash Valley residents. The hospital's commitment to quality care and its dedication to serving the community have made it an essential healthcare resource in the region.

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