A Brief History
“But even in 2008, when a new generation of historians reviews the next 20 years of history, they will find a common thread which binds the hospital’s past. Hidden among changes will appear the same mission, philosophy and high standards of 1968...”
- From 20th anniversary piece in 1988 issue of “The Rounds”
The Beginning
Two strongly contrasting sets of images appear on a collection of photos developed from rolls of film in 1969. In black and white, the destruction of the building that once housed Doctor’s Hospital appears to be almost tragic. Windows of rooms exposed to the outside are eerily untouched by the demolition. You can still see the even tiling within an undistinguishable room. This destruction is not the sight of an ending, but a new and shining beginning.
Doctor’s Hospital was based in a converted apartment building on Cedar Road in Cleveland Heights. By the mid-1960’s after decades of serving the Cleveland Heights area, it became apparent that the building could no longer meet hospital standards and a new building would be necessary. In a time where the populations of some eastern Cleveland suburbs were quickly growing, there was a need for modern medical facilities in certain areas. Based upon this need, Mayfield was selected for the new hospital. The building that housed Doctor’s Hospital was torn down to build a new fire station and parking lot.
After two years of construction, Hillcrest Hospital was opened on November 23, 1968. The hospital was a wonder of the most modern technology and carefully thought out architecture. When the hospital opened, there were 237 beds and 90 doctors on staff.
Expanding and Evolving
Since the opening in 1968, the hospital has expanded and evolved to provide the best healthcare for the community. Many projects have occurred to improve the facility and services available.
The first significant expansion to Hillcrest Hospital began in 1976. After two years of construction, the completed project added 50 beds, the administrative wing, and expanded the OB, ICU, Stepdown, physical therapy, pulmonary medicine, central supply, X-ray, emergency and laboratory departments. The following expansion in 1986 added the Ambulatory Surgery Center, a new cafeteria, and an additional floor to Hillcrest. In the hospital’s twentieth year, the hospital had 296 adult beds, 36 bassinets and 15 Neonatal Care Unit beds.
In the following decades, Hillcrest continued to expand. In 1994, a 48 million dollar expansion adding a new emergency services facility, a 70-suite medical office building, a helicopter landing pad, a nondenominational chapel and the Atrium. New specialized centers were opened as well, such as the Hirsch Cancer Center, the Helen and Ronald Ross Community and Education Center, and the Pediatric Unit in the Emergency Room.
Services grew also at an astounding rate, including many firsts and acting as a pioneer in several areas. In 1975, Hillcrest Hospital was the first hospital in the greater Cleveland area to offer pre-admission testing, which allows patients to undergo routine testing before surgery on an outpatient basis. Three years later, the hospital was also the first hospital in the Cleveland area to offer same-day surgery. The Neonatal Care Unit opened and a hospice program was introduced in 1981. A long list of achievements follows throughout the years.
Present
Today, Hillcrest Hospital has 424 beds and offers a full range in care with the latest technology. Hillcrest continues to be a leader in patient care ranking as one of the nation’s top 100 hospitals, renowned in cardiac medicine. What was anticipated in 1988 still remains- the dedication to offering the best in patient care in 1968 resounds strongly in our present and toward the exciting future ahead.