Maine Memory Network

The 1930s were an era when the hospital believed that "By broadening our vision we might see this hospital in the future as the Health Center for Eastern Maine."

In 1930, Thomas A. Devan, M.D. is named superintendent, succeeding George Stone who has accepted the position of superintendent at Memorial Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The Great Depression strikes hard at the hospital with all traditional sources of money running dry: the state appropriation relied on since the hospital opened stops this year; increasingly, patients are unable to pay. "The first step taken by the Trustees was...a series of advertisements in the daily papers, to inform the public. . .of the exact situation."

"With deep regret the Trustees adopted the policy of requesting a deposit from those seeking treatment...this rule not applying to accident or emergency cases." "This necessary change of policy has been accepted by the public generally with a fine spirit of understanding cooperation." --Trustee president John Wilson

A physical therapy department is established under the direction of the head of Roentgenology: "It remains to be seen just how much need there is for such a department here," notes the superintendent.

The specter of infectious disease shows in class notes taken by Vivian McDonald Dwyer, class of 1930: On the treatment of pneumonia in its most vulnerable victims, she recorded "the only thing to do (for the aged) is to give whiskey every three or four hours." And for babies, "take out of bed and hold in arms."

In 1931, "Dr. Barbara Hunt kindly permitted our patients the use of radium under her direction. During the latter part of the year the use of the radium was placed on a more business-like basis." -- Superintendent Thomas Devan, M.D.

"For the first time...we are unable to record any new legacy or large gift."

Bill collecting becomes harder; the operating deficit continues; and prospects for next year look even more bleak.

On a brighter note: "There were no noteworthy epidemics and despite the depression the general health conditions of the territory...were very satisfactory."

Food costs drop by almost 20 per cent.

"It is not generally realized how predominantly surgical is the work of the EMGH"; 2,143 operations were performed last year, with an annual patient per bed rate of 22.

In 1932, Trustee President John Wilson wrote: "The trustees... have attempted to make it perfectly clear...that the financial condition of the EMGH was in a serious, if not indeed critical, condition."

A series of ads runs in the daily press to describe the major problems the hospital faces; on Hospital Day in May a radio talk is given by the superintendent reviewing the history and purpose of the hospital.

One quarter of the patients are private, the others ward patients.

In 1933, Harold Marsh serves one year as trustee president.

Heidbrink gas anesthesia apparatus is purchased by the Women's Aid Society, which also underwrites hospital expenses for a child and the maintenance of Ward E.

The 20-year old Bangor District Nursing Association (supported by the Federated Clubs of Bangor) remains closely affiliated with the hospital.

Nursing students spend four-week rotations with the district nurse, Ethel Burr, R.N., who this year posts 2,532 visits to 329 patients.

A baby clinic is held each Thursday at City Hall.

"A convalescent home, to be operated in connection with our hospital, has long been considered by our Trustees¡ this must await a time when special funds are given for this purpose."

At year-end the books show $82,000 in free care, with over $175,000 being carried on account.

The annual state appropriation has been replaced by an allotment for each approved State Aid case: this year the state paid $1.82 per day, amounting to half the cost of a day's care.

A new ambulance is purchased.

From the list of 74 regulations posted in the residence for nurses: "6 a.m. rising bell; 10 p.m. in bed. Lights out. Absolutely quiet. Use only 25-watt bulbs. NEVER appear in the corridor without bathrobe or kimono. Nurses are requested to ask callers to refrain from sounding automobile horns while waiting. Nurses will please not callout the windows to anyone."

In 1934, Superintendent Thomas A. Devan, M.D., wrote: "Perhaps (it) would be profitable to draw up a plan forecasting the probable needs of this region for additional hospital services and a building program outlined for the next 25 years, so that the hospital could strive to build itself into this plan. ...By broadening our vision we might see this hospital in the future as the Health Center for Eastern Maine --housing all the health agencies and with a capacity of 250 beds."

Overcrowding is chronic; some months the average number of patients exceeds the rated number of beds (159) by ten.

Frank Silliman succeeds Harold Marsh as trustee president.

Expenses continue to outpace income from patient services and endowment interest; nevertheless, "The trustees feel that the Hospital should not, until compelled to, curtail the amount of free service rendered."

The X-ray department is "completely modernized."

Group hospital insurance plans gain nationwide attention as a means for the "family to budget for health expenses" (no plans available locally as yet).

In 1935, the trustees engage nationally known hospital consultant Charles Neergaard to submit a plan for future expansion "in spite of the fact that the hospital...does currently operate at a loss...(there is) the problem of how to finance."

Neergaard proposes a 100-bed seven-story pavilion connecting Phillips-Oliver and the 1899 building; in front of the pavilion would be located a new administration building. After "comments, suggestions and criticism" were invited, trustees adopt the Neergaard plan as a future goal, to be realized in installments as resources allow.

The average length of stay is 13.6 days, still longer than the 11-12 day stay considered appropriate in a "hospital of this character."

Modest capital improvements reflect the Depression economy: new linoleum in ward A, ventilating fan in the children's ward, new roof over the doctor's library, 15 trees planted, and an operating table purchased through the Anonymous Urological Fund.

In 1936 and for many years, these words appeared on the closing page of the annual report: "A hospital cannot be over-endowed. The more money it has, the greater good it accomplishes. Persons who wish their gifts or bequests to be of the greatest possible benefit would do well to familiarize themselves with needs and conditions by visiting the institution and conferring with the Superintendent."

A generous bequest from Miss Grace F. Kelley allows plans for a new building to proceed.

In August, monthly clinics for crippled children are initiated as part of the Social Security program and under the direction of Dr. Allan Woodcock of Bangor and Dr. Herbert Kobes of Augusta.

In November a weekly diagnostic tumor clinic is organized under the chairmanship of Dr. Magnus Ridlon, surgeon, who brings together colleagues from medicine, surgery, radiology and pathology.

The physical therapy department, still under the supervision of roentgenologist Forrest Ames, serves 441 patients, more than half of them outpatients. The great majority of treatments provided are either "baking" or massage.

A new Chevrolet coupe is purchased for the use of the credit manager.

The Woman's Hospital Aid Society extends thanks to the Daily News and the Commercial for the "generous space and cooperation that has been given whenever needed."

Superintendent Thomas Devan, M.D. resigns in June 1937 and is succeeded in October by Medical Director Allan Craig, M.D.

In the spring trustees postpone by a year the start of what will be known as the Kelley Building, believing that the "construction should not be begun without the head of the hospital administration actually present."

For the third straight year, a hospital record is set for patient days and average census: EMGH is running at over 100 per cent capacity, with a constant waiting list.

A year of sprucing up and looking to the safety of the plant: kitchens and bake shop "completely cleaned" and remodeled, flood lights are added to the parking lot and walkways; a full-time painter is hired.

At the request of the hospital, the fire chief and housing inspector make a complete inspection, finding many defects. In remedy, a new fire hose is placed at all stations in the medical and surgical buildings, with an automatic alarm system installed at the entrance of the administration (gray stone) building.

The University of Maine begins an affiliation with EMGH, offering a five-year liberal arts and nursing program.

In 1938, George Eaton succeeds Frank Silliman as president of the board of trustees.

Two new departments are created in the fall, introducing a more business-like approach: credit and collections and purchasing, stores and issuance. The pharmacy is now under the direction of a pharmacist "who has been an outstanding figure in the field...not only in the state of Maine but throughout New England."

A complete list of hospital department heads: Superintendent of Nurses, Bookkeeper, Historian (medical records), Credit Manager, Purchasing & Stores, Pharmacist, Dietician, Maintenance, Housekeeper.

Trustees vote to move ahead with construction of a new building made possible by the bequest of Grace F. Kelley; the contractors will be from Boston, the consulting engineers from New York. Three sample rooms are furnished (one each by the Woman's Hospital Aid and the Daily News) and made available for viewing by those who might wish to give the $200-$500 required to furnish and equip a private or semi-private room.

In July 1939, the Lucilla Peirce Kelley Building opens and in November the remodeling of the medical building (Phillips Oliver) is complete. "It must be remembered that the new wing is but a unit in a building program...Eventually we hope the Eastern Maine General Hospital will have a plant...which will enable Bangor to become a medical center not only for eastern Maine but for an enlarged area. Indeed Bangor is rapidly becoming known as such a center. --Trustee president George Eaton

The opening of the Kelley building makes way for the establishment of a modern obstetrical department in the Phillips Oliver building, which now also houses the business, patient records and administration offices moved from the "old stone building where they had been located since the founding of the hospital."

Dr. Wilfred Comeau joins the medical staff as the first cardiologist.

The Bangor District Nursing Association, now 25 years old, gives special attention to obstetrics (including prenatal home visits) and care of the aged. This year, assistance is given in 121 home deliveries, with a nurse visiting for ten days afterward to bathe mother and baby and to change the linen.

Trustees report "an important step in the progress of the institution" with the revision of policies governing the medical staff. "This revision reorganizes the medical staff under new classifications, deals in an important way with the method of the choice of new members of the staff, and provides for liaison between the staff and trustees through the medium of a coordinating committee."

In the 1940s, the hospital recognizes that "When the war is over the Trustees will be required to turn their attention toward meeting the challenge resulting from the fact that the Eastern Maine General Hospital is becoming recognized as a medical center for all of Eastern Maine."

Shortages of supplies and materials plague EMGH in 1940 and active military service begins to thin the ranks of the medical staff. Further strain comes from the reduced purchasing power of the dollar, which shrinks the value of critically needed endowment income.

Despite shortages at home, the staff makes substantial donations of surgical instruments to British War Relief

The Women's Hospital Aid Society reports that it is disbanding "to make possible the organization of a larger group to meet the requirements of a growing hospital. .. .Our best wishes go out to a younger and more vigorous organization." In May, the Eastern Maine General Hospital Women's Auxiliary is established.

An acute housing shortage for nurses leads to the building of a three-story "brick building of inexpensive construction with temporary finish" adjoining the riverside of the corridor connecting Phillips Oliver and the 1899 building.

The Bingham Fund finances a project aimed at improving diagnostic services at smaller community hospitals through association with EMGH: currently six hospitals are sending tissue samples to the pathology department; and the roentgenologist travels to those hospitals for consultation.

"The possibilities of this step are great and it is hoped that the Eastern Maine General Hospital will also receive much benefit and become more and more the medical center of this part of the state." --Roentgenologist Forrest Ames, M.D.

Group insurance comes to eastern Maine with the opening of an office on State Street for the Associated Hospital Service Plan of Maine; EMGH becomes a participating hospital in February.

A new medical library opens on the ground floor of the Kelley building, with the Bangor Public Library helping to acquire books and journals.

In 1941, hospitals served through the Bingham Fund now number 11; personal visits by the roentgenologist have been replaced with bi-weekly conferences at EMGH.

The pathologist reports increasing volume, much of it due to the large amount of gratis work done for the Bangor Draft Boards and the Bangor Air Base.

In its first year, the Auxiliary has attracted 262 members, with an average meeting attendance of 50. Dressings (13,000 this year) are made at each meeting, followed by a business session and tea. Two more traditions begin: a scholarship fund and achievement awards for nursing students.

Three students complete the first six-month course in X-ray technique.