1940 1950 1960 1970 1980
8
1941
The New Britain Rest Home becomes
a municipal hospital for the "medical
and surgical treatment of all persons
suffering from chronic or other
diseases, without regard to the
nationality, creed or belief of such
persons."
1943
The hospital becomes The New Britain
Memorial Hospital, Inc. (NBMH)
1943
The hospital faces a major polio
epidemic. All patients receive the Kenny
treatment and no paralysis results.
HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL CARE
1952
A speech language voice therapy
department is established.
1954
NBMH becomes a teaching hospital.
The first students to arrive are from the
New Britain General Hospital School of
Nursing.
1957
The State of Connecticut grants a new
license as a "Hospital for Chronic Illness."
1963
In May, NBMH becomes the only
institution to care for young children
who are mentally alert and physically
disabled.
1966
Patient-centered care model
established: NBMH is 25 years old. It
becomes a chronic-care hospital with
an innovative rehabilitation program. Its
staff grows from a handful of nursing
Daughters of Mary of the Immaculate
Conception to an interdisciplinary team
of doctors, nurses, therapists and aides.
1966
A vision for the future includes an
auditorium, a chapel and a swimming
pool. A quote from the 1966 Annual
Report states: "We plan to go forward
into the next 25 years with confidence,
facing problems as they arise and
welcoming new ideas as they emerge."
1977
Ventilatory equipment is added as the
hospital was playing a greater role in
the care of chronic respiratory illness,
a medical problem of increasing
proportion and demands.
