Holy Name Hospital Rates As One of Finest In State,
Every Facility Here
By F. G. Dilger, M. D.
The Town Manager, March 1932, p. 18-19
One of the most important properties of life is growth. But growth in itself is not necessarily something to be desired. There are several kinds of growth. There is the sturdy growth of the oak from its humble beginning, to its fruition as a majestic tree; and there is the sordid growth of a fungus. There is the orderly growth of a child, from babyhood to manhood; and there is the disorderly growth of a malignant cancer. There has always seemed to me to be something puerile in the blatant self-advertisement of many small towns as expressed on roadside bill-boards: “This is Hickville; watch us grow”! Who cares for growth, per se? Who cares for the fungoid growth of an artificially induced boom? What is there attractive about the disorderly growth of a “gold rush”? Growth that is sturdy, that is orderly, growth that proceeds according to plan, this indeed is to be desired. Such a growth has been Teaneck’s, to a large degree, in the past. It is hoped that, to an even larger degree, in the future, a sturdy, orderly, planned growth will occur.
Progress Rapid
One of the most interesting, as well as outstanding aspects of Teaneck’s growth is seen in the progress of the modern hospital which we are so fortunate as to have within its borders. The hospital serves not only Teaneck but surrounding towns in the county, and owes its existence to the foresight and the zealous persistence of Dr. Frank C. McCormack, who has been the Medical Director of the institution since its inception. Through his efforts the Sisters of St. Joseph, well experienced in hospital management and nursing, were persuaded to add to their already considerable debt, by building, financing and operating the Holy Name Hospital of Teaneck.
The spot selected as a location for the hospital was an ideal one for this purpose. The beautiful, well-wooded plot of ground, measuring ten acres, was formerly the site of the homestead of the Phelps family. Certainly, the sadness which one would feel at the dissolution of a fine old estate is considerably modified when we view the beauty of the buildings which have replaced the old mansion, and consider their beneficent purpose. It was on June 19, 1924, that work was started on the main building, and it was formally opened on October 4, 1925. The structural parts are of steel, concrete and hollow block, the exterior being faced with tapestry red brick and stone trimmings. This original building had a capacity of one hundred and seventy beds.
Outside Aid
The original plans did not provide for an “Out Patient Department.” It was considered that the hospital was situated so far “out in the country” that any kind of an active Out Patient service would not be required. In fact, many predictions were made that very few of the hospital’s original one hundred and seventy beds would be occupied. However, it was not long before the pessimists were found to be in error. First, temporary provisions had to be made for a Clinic; and shortly thereafter additional buildings had to be erected. The first of these, a handsome Nurses’ Home, one of the finest in the State, was opened on Sunday, February 12, 1928. A central power plant was put into service at the same time. Only one month later, that is two years and four months after the first opening of the hospital, it became evident that a further building program must be undertaken immediately. At that time, the first public appeal for help was made. Let us remember, the original buildings, comprising a modern hospital and Nurses’ Home, had been erected at a cost of $1,000,000 without any general appeal to the public. Accordingly, on April 26, 1928, a drive was started for funds to finance a new addition. This drive realized $351,060. The addition was placed in the rear of the original building, the whole taking the form of the letter “H”, and bringing the capacity of the hospital up to 250 beds. All the buildings are in architectural harmony and provide a complete and compact unit.
Every Convenience
The interior of the hospital fulfills the promise of its exterior. Every possible convenience and aid for the diagnosis and treatment of medical and surgical conditions have been installed, and the hospital has been approved by, and has received the highest rating of the American College of Surgeons. In addition to the excellence of its technical equipment, the hospital possesses a quality seldom found in such institutions. There is a cheerful, homelike atmosphere about it that is apparent to patients and visitors alike. This must be experienced to be appreciated.
A detailed description of the various departments of the hospital is not possible in the brief space available. Only a few of the more important details will be given here. On the main floor of the hospital are the reception room and offices, the X-Ray laboratories, the Emergency Room, some wards and rooms for mail patients, and in the new section clinic rooms and pathological laboratories. The eastern half of the second floor is devoted to the maternity department, which is entirely self-contained, and the western half to the children’s wards and rooms, on the third floor, are the suite of operating rooms, and also some private and semi-private rooms, and wards for female patients. The fourth floor contains additional private rooms and the Interns’ quarters. There is a large and attractive roof-garden, and each floor is well provided with solaria and balconies.
The Chapel
On the ground floor, at the extreme southern end, is an artistic and devotional chapel, with a seating capacity of seventy. The hospital is, and always has been, non-sectarian; “as non-sectarian as appendicitis”, in the word of Mr. William Conklin. Up to May, 1931, over 16,000 bed patients had been treated regardless of race or creed. The nursing staff, and the medical staff of the hospital include those professing various creeds. But the motive power that lies behind those responsible for the establishment and management of this undertaking cannot be understood except in the light of that little chapel where they worship the same God who is the Father of all of us. Self-sacrificing devotion to the cause of sick humanity, without earthly recompense, fame or glory, can be explained on no other basis.
