Arnold Gregory Hospital served Albion well, treating 50K people in ER in first decade

Staff and Board members of the Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital in Albion examine a new bed in 1960. Left to right: Dr. John Ellis; Sidney Eddy, Board member; Helen Yerger, hospital administrator; Edward Archbald, Board president; Robert Babbitt, Board member; Mrs. Douglas Hayes, nurse. (Photograph by Wm. A. Monacelli)

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 4, Number 31

ALBION – Our photograph this week captures the dedication and local support which sustained Albion’s Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital.

The centerpiece of the photo is a new model adjustable bed, part of an order of upgraded furnishings for the “new” hospital facility.  Built in 1952 at a cost of $650,000 of community funding, this 51-bed unit replaced the original 27-bed hospital opened in 1916.

The new hospital was obviously needed. During its first decade, 15,435 patients were admitted, 3,026 babies were born and 50,304 people were treated in the emergency departent.

In the photograph, healthcare professionals Dr. John Ellis and Nurse Hayes are on either end of the group. The three gentlemen in the group – Sidney Eddy, Edward Archbald and Robert Babbitt – were hospital Board members. They were also members of the Albion Rotary Club which actively raised funds for the hospital for many years.

Hospital administrator Helen Yerger is the lady appropriately positioned in the center of the group. Hired in 1949, she was actively involved in the planning, construction and furnishing of the new building. She continually sought to update equipment and improve services.

By 1965, plans were underway to add a new wing to the hospital. Having had some health issues, Miss Yerger announced her plan to retire on October 1, 1965, but she died unexpectedly on August 6. 1965. She had been a dedicated employee and tireless champion for the Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital for 16 years.