private rooms, a mortuary chapel room and other improve-
ments. Demands became greater as the years went on, and
in 1900 the annex was erected, bringing the bed capacity to
300. In 1901 a new story was built and in 1902 plans were
made for the erection of the large Pride street annex, which
was ready for occupancy in 1918. It is 9 stories high, 260
feet long and 60 feet wide. Six operating rooms and one
emergency room connect with the X-ray plant.
Let us consider the capacity of the Hospital today. The
present bed capacity is 625. From June 1, 1926, to May 381,
1927, 10,680 patients were admitted and cared for and of
these 2,350 were treated free and 5,126 were treated for part
pay. During the same time 5,622 operations were performed
and 382 births and 501 deaths, were recorded.
The latest addition to Mercy Hospital is the completion of
the new School of Nursing at a cost of $1,100,000. This
school is the most modern of its class. It is nine stories in
height, and containing well equipped class rooms, laboratories,
a splendid auditorium and gymnasium, as well as sleeping
apartments and recreation room for the nurses.
Having traced the history of the Mercy Hospital in a
brief yet comprehensive way, we shall leave it to continue its
work of charity and love. It stands today a tribute to kindly
hearts and when it outgrows its present quarters, as even
tually it will. a future generation will carrv on its activities.
THE MONTEFIORE HOSPITAL
The Montefiore Hospital came about through the inspired
efforts of a small group of interested high-minded public
spirited women of the Ladies’ Hospital Aid Society. As early
as 1898, the project was under discussion. Finally, on June
16, 1908, the Montefiore Hospital and Training School for
Nurses was established at 3000 Center Avenue, according ta
the laws of the State of Pennsylvania.
Beginning with the structure in which only forty-five pa-
tients could be cared for, its capacity was increased to the
present number, namely, sixty-five. Within the walls of this
little hospital, an enduring task has been accomplished in the
care of sick and suffering humanity.
