Eastern Maine Medical Center

In 1926, trustees vote to establish a department of pediatrics for patients under the age of 12.

Pediatrician Albert W. Fellows, M.D., is appointed to the staff.

In October, the long-awaited residence for nurses opens.

"More and a greater variety of work has been steadily demanded of the Staff, and it has been found necessary to place the Orthopedic Surgeon on a basis of receiving remuneration for a portion of the time he is called on to contribute to the needs of the Hospital. Under this arrangement he contributes without remuneration as much time as do the other members of the Staff who continue to give freely their experience and ability. The Pathologist and Roentgenologist remain on the same basis as before." --1926 Report of the Trustees

Pressing needs include a modern nurse call system; the existing one is "dependent on dry cell batteries for operation (and) is nearly beyond repair and almost useless.

A modern refrigeration plant opens, producing 1,000 pounds of ice per day.

Dr. Barbara Hunt, consulting physician, in 1927 becomes the first woman to join the medical staff.

"I believe we should open up our hospital to all physicians of good standing in the community for the care of their private patients, should they care to avail themselves of the opportunity (although as yet) we do not have room enough (for) patients of physicians not on the regularly appointed staff."

A modern nurse call system is installed.

Trustees adopt a major reorganization in 1928, acknowledging "that the business methods adapted to a small hospital cannot any longer meet the requirements of this larger institution."

A consolidated board of nine replaces an executive committee and a board of 20 (trustees): the larger board included five women; the reduced board includes none.

"The amount of work in the Pathological Department has increased greatly during the past year. We are especially pleased to see the increase in the number of post-mortem examinations." --Dr. H. E. Thompson, Pathologist

The Women's Aid Society purchases the first electric cardiograph machine for $1,000.

Free work is steadily increasing, with 21,000 days of free treatment given in the past year.

The physicians care for "free patients" without "any compensation whatever." "I think the community at large does not realize the amount of self-sacrifice that these men give." --Superintendent George Stone

In 1929, "The most noticeable (change) is the increase in the amount of blood chemistry. Physicians are asking more and more for this kind of work. ...Three new microscopes have been added. ..also electric refrigeration installed." --Pathologist H. E. Thompson, M.D.

A surgical section exclusive to eye surgery is established, under Manning C. Moulton, M.D.

Efficiency and patient comfort are enhanced by several improvements: a new supply room with a system for tracking receipt and issuance, privacy screens in the wards, and in the 1899 Surgical Building, three new toilets are installed in the former elevator shaft, assuring "the latest in sanitary methods."

In May a fire in the X-ray storage room of the Cleveland Clinic kills 121 with 50 others treated for gas injuries; EMGH takes heed, adding a separate small film storage building and changing to nonflammable safety film.