Maine Memory Network

In 1960, the hospital's accumulated deficit reaches $400,000.

"A completely modernized and greatly expanded Pediatric Unit is in the latest planning stages and will definitely be carried forward to completion. In recognition of the many requests for capital contributions which the public have faced up to in recent years, your Trustees are making every effort to maintain the policy of one-step building projects utilizing all available governmental financial assistance and hospital funds, without a public fund drive." --Robert N. Haskell

A continuing drop in the number of professional nurses spurs proposals to reassign nursing tasks not directly related to nursing care: ward clerks placed throughout the hospital ("the clerk placed on Ward B-2 has proved beyond a doubt the value of such a group"); additional trained practical nurses and nurses aides; a post-operative recovery room and a central supply room; the transfer to the dietary department of all meal preparation and service.

"Another milestone of progress (is) the complete revision of the Medical Staff By-Laws...it is pleasantly anticipated that the result will be a greatly improved functioning of the Medical Staff in regard to inter-related problems, as well as a smoother coordination of Trustee-Medical Staff-Administration relationships."--Robert Haskell

In December, an anesthesia recovery room opens, separate from other nursing units and staffed with specially trained personnel.

In 1961, In support of the new medical staff by-laws, trustees appoint "a highly qualified group of physicians as chiefs of various services, sections, and departments created by that document.

"The year 1960-61 was of great importance for the financing of hospital care for the medically indigent...the 100th Legislature found it possible to increase the appropriation for State Aid patients and for Public Assistance cases...it is expected that the State Department of Health and Welfare will be able to provide the largest percentage of the cost of care ever available."--Director Frank Curran

An operating microscope is purchased through gifts to the hospital, adding to the surgical department's "expanding list of modern equipment."

The physical therapy department sets up a workshop for the use of the Boston prosthetist who serves EMGH patients, thus saving them a trip to Massachusetts.

In 1962, "Continuing in its voluntary role as Regional Medical Center for eastern and northern Maine, the Eastern Maine General Hospital provided approximately $600,000 of service at charges lower than actual cost. ... Unfortunately, the payments from State programs, although improved...left the Hospital with the burden of $235,OOO. ...Distressing personnel shortages...mercurial salary scales of comparable institutions and inexorably rising costs compelled the governing board to authorize new wage schedules of proportions calculated to attract trained hospital workers and assure our long-term employees of the Trustees' interest and appreciation."--Robert N Haskell

Radio-active cobalt unit is acquired and "will offer to patients of the surrounding area the same type of therapy that until lately was available only in teaching institutions in large centers out of the State."

IBM accounting equipment installed (electronic punch card system) for control of accounts receivable.

Ross homestead on Ohio Street is acquired through a bequest from Sylvia Ross; the property is to be used for the care of patients not requiring hospital facilities.

On December 30, "one of the worst ever" snowstorms hits Bangor; the police department is called in to transport nurses to and from work.

In 1963, "At long last a succession of delays was overcome... (and) Government officials gave final approval to plans for an entirely new and modern Pediatric Unit."

Technology makes further headway at EMGH: new electronic equipment is added in the lab and radiology; the IBM system is extended to the payroll department.

A striking example of the growing awareness of the importance of early detection of cancer is revealed in the annual lab report: this year 5,800 Pap smear tests are recorded; four years earlier, the number was just over 1,000.

Plans for an intensive care unit have been on hold for several years, pending availability of qualified nursing staff.

Patient-centered nursing plans are formally added to the curriculum. Student affiliations now include a psychiatric rotation at Augusta Mental Health Institute and pediatric rotations at Children's Hospital and Boston Lying-In.

In August 1964, the renovated pediatric unit opens on the top floor of Phillips Oliver: "Designed for the use of modern scientific techniques as well as for comfort and beauty, this area is undoubtedly an outstanding example of a model facility for the care of children and adolescents." Work was completed at a cost of $350,000, with the federal government contributing $130,000 under the Hill-Burton Fund. For the 10-month period of construction and renovation, Phillips Oliver 3 was closed and children were admitted to various other nursing units.

Ross Home on Ohio Street opens in December as a unit for patients needing long-term care.

"During the year 30 percent or about 3,500 patients were admitted to 'Ward Service'...professional care of these patients is provided by the Visiting Staff entirely free. ...This contribution of skill, effort and time is indeed appreciated by the Trustees." --Robert Haskell

A department of nuclear medicine is added under the direction of physicians from internal medicine, surgery, radiology and pathology.

In 1965, trustees approve two major proposals from the medical staff: creating the position of medical director and adding a psychiatric service.

EMMC School of Anesthesia established under the direction of Pauline Barbin, CRNA.

An intensive care unit opens in October: in the first 6 months of operation, the unit averages 12.9 hours of nursing care per patient, with an average daily census of 5.4 patients.

In March the Stetson Medical Office Building opens, offering for the first time on-campus office space (10 suites) for physicians. The $221,000 building "is regarded as an unusually popular and successful project by patients, doctors and hospital personnel."

Medicare/Medicaid programs become law: "For many years, the Trustees have advocated a more equitable sharing of the cost of hospital care by governmental agencies. At long last...these programs are expected to reduce substantially the demands...on our resources." --Robert Haskell

In June a family planning clinic is added: "EMGH is the very first hospital in New England to have such a clinic."

In 1966, a formal retirement plan for employees is initiated (a reserve has been accumulating for this purpose since 1957).

Pace maker insertion is now available.

Fifty applicants respond to an ad for the new operating room technician training program; six are selected.

The employee cafeteria is modernized and put on an all-cash basis (previously a meal allowance was part of an employee's compensation).

A genito-urinary procedure room opens.

Dr. Rolf Lium is appointed medical director in 1967.

The first graduation ceremonies are held for the School of Anesthesia.

A dermatology section added with the appointment of Otis F. Jillson, MD.

Trustees authorize outside planners and consultants to provide a long range plan for development of the plant.

In February a new policy is adopted "allowing husbands to remain with their wives in the Labor Room--this policy has been very successful."

In an effort to relieve professional nurses from non- nursing tasks, two positions are created: an autoclave nurse's aide and a check-out aide to clean patient rooms following discharge.

In August 1968, following a "delay due to construction technicalities," a new outpatient-emergency facility opens and is "very pleasantly received by the public."

A psychiatric service begins with the appointment of Irwin M. Pasternak, MD. At this time, psychiatric patients are not segregated.

A five-bed cardiac intensive care unit opens.

The firm of Herman Smith, hospital consultants, completes a master plan study: "a great step forward toward the development of a completely modernized medical center."

The laboratory acquires a chloridometer for the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis through a gift from the Max Kagan Foundation.

A social service/discharge planning department is added.

A print shop opens.

John F. Grant succeeds Robert Haskell as president of the board in 1969.

Robert H. Brandow is named executive director, succeeding Frank Curran.

Trustees vote a new name for EMGH: Eastern Maine Medical Center. "For the first time we are a medical center in name as well as in spirit. And under design we have a new medical center facility to go with the dedication of its many skilled personnel and diversely specialized physicians." --Robert H. Brandow