BELLEVUE HOSPITAL

In 1914 a group of Bellevue citizens looked to the future and envisioned a modern public hospital that would allow the people of the community to receive their medical care locally. On March 16, 1917, The Bellevue Hospital was dedicated.

Founded on the philosophy of providing contemporary medicine with hometown caring, the hospital continues the tradition today. The personal touch of Caring for our Community is a Bellevue Hospital trademark.

The original building had 24 beds and 9 bassinets for newborns. The hospital continued to grow and add space as the population increased and the hospital expanded health care services.

The view of The Bellevue Hospital was taken in the 1940s. At the right of the hospital is the nurse's home.

In 1953, and during the 1960s, the hospital's growth required additional patient beds, a surgical suite, laboratory, kitchen and boiler room.

The above picture of the hospital was taken in 1964. In 1964 the hospital had a staff of ten physicians and a staff of sixty-five employees. The hospital housed sixty hospital beds, eleven maternity bed and eleven bassinets. The hospital also operated a 20 bed nursing home, "Biebricher House" located at 426 West Main Street.

The 1970s was a decade of change for The Bellevue Hospital. In 1973, a six-bed Intensive Care Unit was specially equipped and staffed to meet the needs of the critically ill and injured. In 1976, the hospital adjusted to a declining birth-rate and closed the maternity ward. In 1978, The Bellevue Hospital became the first small and rural hospital in Ohio to begin an inpatient alcohol detoxification and rehabilitation program. Two physician buildings were also added during the late 1970s providing a convenient, centralized health care campus.