New Wing Adds 100 Beds For 257 Total
Accent On Modern Facilities, Equipment
NEW WING which has added 100 beds, modern equipment, and facilities to the Norwood Hospital. Architects and Engineers were James H. Ritchie and Associates, Clarendon Street, Boston.
Modern facilities and the latest in equipment keynote the new Norwood Hospital.
Now completed is a 100-bed wing which brings to 257 the total number of beds in the hospital.
The expansion actually encompasses three buildings. The new T-shaped building rises three stories above a basement and is joined floor by floor to the present South wing. A single-story building alongside contains an inviting gift shop, coffee shop, and administrative offices. The third facility, added as part of the expansion program has been a building housing a series of maintenance shops, and central stores area.
BEST AVAILABLE
The new and existing buildings combine to give residents of Norwood and the seven surrounding communities served by the hospital the most modern and efficient facilities available.
Among the many features of the hospital are a substantially enlarged X-ray department, modern recovery room with unique electronic monitoring system, a comprehensive communications network, extensive operating suite, combination heating-air conditioning system, and- new out-patient, emergency and maternity facilities.
Norwood’s operating suite now includes eight completely– equipped operating rooms. Extending into both the -new wing and existing Soùth wing, the suite provides individual rooms; for specific types of operations.-For example, there is a Fracture or Orthopedic Room.
SHADOW PROOF LIGHTING
In the operating rooms, overhead illumination is provided by large multi-beamed lights, several feet in diameter; They are shadowproof and color-corected. The blue-green ceramic tile walls are windowless — ventilation is mechanically controlled. All air is specially filtered and humidified before entering the Operating Suite. Built into the rooms are suction and oxygen units. In fact, all rooms in the hospital, including patient rooms, have piped-in-oxygen and suction.
Connecting the Operating Suite in the new wing is a 12-bed recovery room featuring a unique electronic patient monitoring system. This system enables the nurse in the Recovery Room to instantly determine the pulse rate, temperature, respiration rate and blood pressure of anyone of nine patients. She does this by simply turning a dial, which is part of a control console, at her station. A supersensitive microphone also monitors the patient’s heartbeat and relays it to the nurse’s station even though it may be so faint that a stethoscope and a trained ear cannot detect it.
ONE OF THE FIRST
The system — first of its kind In the East, provides the nurse on duty up-to-the-second reports on all patients in the Recovery Room.
Taking up part of both the new West and the South wings is the extensive X-ray department. To protect against radiation escape, all walls of the existing building are lined with lead shielding. Cinder block with a bonded core of heavy sheet lead is being used in the new building. Each block has a two-inch overlap of’ lead which makes “radiation leaks” in the walls virtually impossible.
The X-ray tube Itself is encased in oil, then lead, to make sure radiation does not escape from it, Windows in the X-ray control rooms are constructed of special lead glass.
The many facilities of the new X-ray department include a total of seven diagnostic X-ray units. Three of these machines are located in the operating suite. One of the three is fixed, but two are portable and can be used wherever they are needed throughout the hospital.
In addition, the new facilities include three individual X-ray rooms, a recovery room, viewing room, film filing room, offices and a conference room. The darkroom will house a new automatic film processing machine that will produce a finished picture In just seven minutes. Previously, one hour was required to process an X-ray plate.
NEW EMERGENCY CENTER
A greatly enlarged emergency treatment center occupies an important part of the Main Floor. A four-bay, covered ambulance entrance provides easy access to emergency facilities.
The center Is spacious, modern in every detail and designed for the utmost of flexibility to meet any emergency.
Decorated in pink and blue, and soft-hued ceramic tile, the Hospital’s maternity floor will please the most fastidious lady in waiting. It boasts the most modern delivery suite in New England, a premature nursery, suspect nursery and several normal nurseries.
A special formula laboratory features complete sterilization of formulas, bottles and nipples as one unit using steam under pressure.
Eliminated from Norwood Hospital’s new heating-air conditioning system are radiators, hot air ducts or any other visible heating apparatus which are known dust collectors.
The Burgess-Manning ceiling provides efficient, easily controlled radiant panel heating and cooling and acoustically controls noise. Unlike traditional acoustical ceilings the metal panels are easily washed and sanitized by water and chemical disinfectants.
The perforated, enameled aluminum and steel panels that make up the ceiling surface are fastened by clips directly to the pipes above which form the water-circulating coils. The panels are heated or cooled conductively by the pipe to provide a uniformly warm or cool radiant surface.
The advantages of the system are; uniform temperatures are maintained — no noticeable variation from floor to ceiling; annoying and irritating drafts are eliminated; and concentrated heat sources and overheated air are eliminated. The system can be thermostatically regulated in each patient room, providing the patient with individual climate control. Further, since the metal panels permit full access to plumbing lines, maintenance line costs are reduced.
Hospital Is Non-Profit
The Norwood Hospital Is a non-profit, voluntary hospital. Every dollar it receives (whether it’s a gift or a payment for hospitalization), returns to the patients in the form of services and facilities.
Any surplus made possible by donations is used to expand services, modernize facilities and to provide free or part-free care for needy patients.
In short, the trustees who run the hospital (35 elected men and women of the community), donate their own services to ensure that the hospital reinvests its resources in the hospital for the thousands of citizens it serves each year.
New Addition is T Shaped
The new Norwood Hospital facilities include a T-shaped building rising three stories above a basement which adds 100 beds and features new and enlarged emergency, out-patient, maternity, surgical, pediatric, gynecological sur-pediatric, and newly designed laboratory and X-ray services.
Also included In the expansion program is a new single-story building containing a gift shop and coffee shop, operated by the Women’s Aid organization, and administrative offices. Added as well has been a building which houses maintenance shops and enlarged general stores area.
No More Cranking
New pushbutton beds that can be raised or lowered electrically with the flick of a switch have been installed in the Norwood Hospital addition. Both the head and foot of the bed can be raised and lowered.
More To Come- Old Section Due For Face-Lifting
The second phase of the two-stage expansion program for Norwood Hospital includes major alterations to the original Hospital buildings. A major area slated for extensive reconstruction and expansion is the Laboratory Department. Here a multitude of complex tests are conducted day or night to aid the doctor in making his all-important diagnosis.
Tests that were unheard of a few years ago are performed routinely here today Diagnostic equipment existing only as lines on a drawing board a short time ago, are in everyday use. But space is limited. With the capacity of the Hospital increased from 157 beds to 257 beds (an increase of nearly 70%) more space, and more equipment, is absolutely necessary. To maintain the high standards of this department and to ensure better service to more people, the services of an additional full-time clinical pathologist has been arranged.
Extensive renovation of what is now the Outpatient Emergency Department will transform the area into a series of modern laboratories. “Here, skilled technicians working closely with the medical and nursing staff, will play an important role in aiding the patient on the road to recovery’,” said Administrator, Charles A. Richardson.
Plumbing, electrical wiring and heating facilities installed over 30 years ago are to be replaced and relocated.
BACTERIOLOGY LAB
One of the important laboratories to be located in this area will be the Bacteriology Laboratory. Here, for example, specimen of infectious material taken from a patient can be “planted” and incubated in a manner simulating the conditions found In the human body. Once “grown” the culture is microscopically examined to determine the strain of pathogens (disease-causing organisms). Armed with this knowledge, the doctor may prescribe the proper drugs and treatment to combat the infection effectively.
Although it is part of the Chemical Laboratory, the Flame Photometer machine must be housed in a separate room because of Its sensitivity to drafts, light disturbances and atmospheric conditions. Employing a chemical process and utilizing a photo-electric cell measuring device, it measures the chemical balance of the body fluids such as urine and blood serum and indicates the potassium-sodium content of these fluids. The tests help the doctor to determine whether the patient requires intravenous solutions that may be needed to maintain the proper fluid balance necessary for health.
Among others, measuring the amount of carbon dioxide present in serum or blood plasma is one of the important tests that will be conducted in the new Chemical Laboratory. Here the CO-2 machine tests the carbon dioxide content of these fluids to determine if they are present in normal amounts. This test is another vital tool used to determine the function or malfunction of the human body.
Making up the remaining laboratory facilities planned for this area are the Microscopy Laboratory, Urine Laboratory, and Blood Bank Wait ing Room and Blood Bank.
SEMI-SELF HELP UNIT
Designed for the patient that neither needs nor requires the high level concentrated nursing care available in the modern
hospital, a semi-self help convalescent unit is planned for Norwood Hospital. This new facility will occupy the entire Second floor of the existing East Wing. The completed unit will accommodate 30 patients.
According to Mr. Richardson, there are several distinct advantages for the inclusion of a semi-self help unit in the present plans. Although the nursing care may be less concentrated due to the ability of the patients to help themselves to a certain extent, the overall care is more inclusive than could be found in a nursing home.
“Laboratory, X-ray service plus all other hospital personnel and equipment could be made available immediately if any unforeseen emergency arose requiring those facilities that only a hospital can provide.”
The charges to the patient would be modest, as the unit would most often cater to those with limited incomes, as well as those whose illnesses do not require costly concentrated care.
BIGGER PEDIATRICS
Ten thousand babies were born at the Norwood Hospital over the last ten years. Statistics show that a certain percentage of these children return to the Hospital to be treated for an illness or an injury.
Enlargement of the Pediatrics Floor Is now planned to accommodate more childron. A room originally reserved as a playroom is now not in use, for it, like the corridor, is being used as space for cribs.
Not only will additional beds be added, but the arrangement of cribs and beds is to be changed to effect a more modern approach to medical and surgical care of sub-adolescent patients.
It is deemed highly desirable at this time to enlarge the area of the Central Sterile Supply Department to accommodate the heavier work load that will result from the addition of 100 beds. The north end of the existing third floor is now being extended to provide the necessary floor area.
Because of rapid technological developments In the field of sterilization, a new autoclave utilizing a high vacuum system developed and perfected in England is being installed. The new unit will process more effectively about twice as much material in half the time now required.
Additional equipment currently being Installed in the department includes a new type sterilizer utilizing chemical gas as a sterilizing agent.
Older Hospital facilities will also undergo a major face-lifting which will include individually controlled air conditioning, new lighting, new flooring, sound conditioning, and attractive color combinations. Patient entertainment facilities as well as the educational television circuit will be available throughout the entire Hospital complex.
What It’s Made Of
The new Norwood Hospital addition Is so pleasing to the eye that many people have asked what the principal construction materials are. The answer: brick, cast stone, aluminum and glass.
Hospital Host to Thousands at 2nd Open House
Response Overwhelming As Over 2800 Tour West Wing
The response to Norwood Hospital’s second Open House Wednesday, September 26, was overwhelming as over 2800 wide-eyed visitors toured the new multimillion-dollar West Wing.
Throngs of people converged In the new Draper Lobby and lined the walks outside its doors. Young and old alike were on hand to take advantage of the conducted tours of the modern complex. The second opening was arranged to accommodate those people who had been prevented from seeing the new facilities by inclement weather when the dedication ceremonies were held on Aug. 29.
One 85-year-old woman who had braved the elements to witness the dedication of the building, and who had already taken a tour, returned Wednesday because she “wanted to see it again.”
Tour groups were assembled in the spacious corridor by the gleaming display windows of the new Women’s Aid Gift Shop and Coffee Shop. This area was selected to avoid confusion in the main lobby.
A tour director assigned to each group led the guests through the business office and administrative area, through the old outpatient area to the existing elevators and up to the third floor of the East Wing. From there they were taken through the suspended passageway, which by-passes the operating suite, to West III, the third and top floor of the new addition.
Marvel at Equipment
Here the visitors marveled at the up to-the mlnutee equipment demonstrated in the operating rooms, recovery room, nurses stations, and in the then unoccupied patient rooms.
In the rooms it seemed that nearly everyone tried the overbed three-way lights, the compact under-pillow nurse-call speaker; television and radio control unit, and the emergency release latch on the toilet room doors. The all electric beds did not escape close scrunity.
“Oh’s” and “ah’s” could be heard up and down the corridors giving audible approval of the tastefully decorated and color-coordinated patient and public areas.
On the second or maternity floor, mothers-to-be and also grandmothers-to-be delighted at the most modern and complete maternity department in New England. Interest ran high among the touring groups about the three new delivery rooms, labor rooms, recovery room, nurseries, bottle washing and formula rooms, and especially the demonstration room where live TV demonstrations on baby ‘ care will be broadcast to new mothers looking on from their beds.
Omitting the first floor with its similar patient accommodations, the visitors found themselves in the much enlarged and functionally designed outpatient-emergency area, located on the main floor.
The vastly expanded emergency department with its four-bay, canopy roofed ambulance entrance, complete with automatic doors, proved of great interest to the visitors. Likewise, the adjoining tiled emergency treatment room and the series of out-patient doctors’ treatment rooms were equally well received by ail who viewed them.
Shown New Pharmacy
Leaving the spacious outpatient waiting room and conveniently located admitting offices, the guests were shown the newly-designed pharmacy with its many storage cabinets and countertops.
The next stop was the communications control center. Here the control center for radio, TV, tape and recorded music was explained to the tour groups.
The last point of the conducted tour centered on the lobby itself, with its walnut paneling, huge planter centered between two large columns of aqua-colored Italian Mosaic glass tile, white and gold-flecked vinyl floor, and modern, spacious, information station and switchboard area.
Perhaps a little leg-weary but very much impressed, the visitors left the building, looking back at their hospital and feeling undoubtedly proud of what was within its glass and brick walls. They must also have felt extremely proud that through their contributions a modern, well-equipped hospital facility Is nearby if they or their neighbors should need it.
Accreditation… What It Means
The Norwood Hospital has earned the right to display the Certificate of Accreditation granted by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals.
This certificate is a sign of protection against hit-or-miss standards in a hospital. It is evidence that medical and hospital people are on guard for the patient, assuring that the hospital is well-run, well-organized, well-equipped and well-staffed.
A hospital needs a yardstick to measure the success of its various activities. To provide a measuring stick, the medical and the hospital professions have developed a nationwide hospital accreditation program. This program sets up carefully – designated standards for every area of activity in an average hospital. The philosophy of this program is to look at the hospital from the patient’s viewpoint — to guard the patient’s life and health.
Hospitals which seek accreditation and meet these prescribed standards are granted the right to display the Certification of Accreditation.
Fred Carlson Has Served As President Since 1958
Serving as President of the Norwood Hospital is Fred A. Carlson of Norwood. Mr. Carlson was first elected as Treasurer of the Corporation in lyöU. His election to the position of President of the Board of Trustees came in 1958.
As president of the hospital, he presides at all meetings of the corporation and of the board of trustees.
Mr. Carlson was born in Sweden and came to live in Norwood as a youngster Graduating from Norwood High School, he enrolled in and graduated from the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance.
He is treasurer of Holliston Mills, Inc., and assistant trtasurer of Plimpton Press, as well as a director of both companies. He is also a director of the Norfolk County Trust Co., and was recently elected a corporator of the Union Savings Bank of Boston.
Active in many civic and philanthropic activities of the community, he has served on several fund drives, including the Norwood Hospital BuildIng Fund. He has also served on the finance committee for the Town of Norwood.
Mr. Carlson is a member of the National Executive Council of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church and travels extensively in its behalf.
With his wife, Astrid, he makes his home at 111 Winter St. The Carlsons are the parents of four children and seven grandchildren. One of their sons, Fred Carlson, Jr.,, is a purchasing agent for the Holliston Mills plant in Kingsport, Tenn., while another son, Neil, is an accountant at the executive offices of the Holliston Mills, Norwood. Neil lives in Walpole. A third son, David Carlson, is an administrator of a college in Lindsborg, Kan. A daughter, Mrs. Warren Boaz, lives in Philadelphia, Pa.
Board of Trustees
Fred A. Carlson, Norwood, President
Eli L. Chamberlain, Norwood, Vice President
Harry B. Boyce, Sharon, Secretary
Arthur P. Allen, Norwood, Treasurer
George R. Beckham, Canton Robert Booth, E. Walpole Gerald W. Bradley, Canton Benjamin H. Bristol, Foxboro Mrs. Edward A. Bullard, Sharon Daniel E. Callahan, Jr., Norwood Harlow M. Chandler, Sharon Dwight Colburn, Sharon Percival B. Crocker, Foxboro Robert A. Dewar, Dedham Charles L. Donahue, Norwood Joseph E. Donovan, Jr,, Foxboro Patrick Fitzpatrick, Westwood Thomas J. Foley, Norwood William 0. Forssell, Walpole Robert V. Garner, Westwood Charles George, Walpole Ralph H. Hall, Sharon Mrs. John Hanrihan, Westwood Mrs. Edwin W. Heffernan, Norwood Ralph A. Hill, Walpole William L. Hyland, Norwood Harry J. Korslund, Norwood Frank W. Massey, Dedham Willis D. McLean, Walpole Burgess P. Reed, E. Walpole Louis A. Sieracki, M.D., Norwood Channing W. Souther, Jr., Norwood William G. Street, Dedham Mrs. Ralph L. Whitcomb, Sharon Harold T. Young, Norwood
Ex-officio
John F. McVay, M.D., Dedham, Pres. Medical Staff Charles A. Richardson, Norwood, Administrator
Honorary Members
Axel H. Anderson, Osterville, Louis Orent, Norwood
Robert Brown, Norwood Charles J. Prescott, Wellesley Hills
Paul A. Draper, Canton Mrs. Charles J. Prescott, Sr., Canada
Corodon S. Fuller, Foxboro Mrs. Charles A. Rheault, Westwood
(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)