Local businessman Abram Nesbitt purchases property on Wyoming Avenue in Kingston. The site is planned for development of a hospital and Nesbitt's generosity is hailed by all in the community.
OCTOBER 7, 1912 AN IMPORTANT OPENING TO THE COMMUNITY
Nesbitt West Side Hospital opens as a three-story, 30-bed facility.
1927 GROWING INTO GREAT IMPORT
Demands for a larger hospital facility are met and a new structure
is built.
1928 A NEW NAME FOR A BIGGER HOSPITAL
The new hospital, now called Nesbitt Memorial Hospital (in honor
of
Mr. Nesbitt) is opened. Bed capacity is now 126.
1945 THE SOUTH RISES
The new South wing is completed. Now the hospital's capacity is
200 beds.
1947 INTRODUCING THE NURSING SCHOOL
The Nesbitt Memorial Hospital School of Nursing opens.
1962 NEW ADDITIONS FOR A GREATER HOSPITAL
New additions include a post anesthesia recovery room, emergency
lighting and lounges for patients
and visitors.
1963 EXPAND UPON THIS
Expansion continues, including a newer nurses residence, modern
classrooms, a library, a stage and
dormitory-style rooms.
1969 BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER
Major expansion begins, featuring a newly renovated lower level
with Laboratory, Radiology Department and dining room. Remodeling
efforts include nurses stations, the Obstetrics Department, administrative
offices and the Emergency Room.
1972 A MASSIVE FLOOD. AND BUSINESS AS USUAL.
The hospital is evacuated as Hurricane Agnes rolls flood waters
across Wyoming Avenue. Relocated
for the duration at College Misericordia, the Nesbitt Memorial Hospital
staff perform admirably. In the
40 days of "exile," 5161 patients receive ER care...and
52 babies are born!
1974 HEALING WITH ARTS
The Nurses' Residence is converted into The Medical Arts Building.
1975 PHYSICIANS FOR THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY
The Family Practice Program continues to grow and becomes a major
source of quality physicians throughout the community and beyond.
1980 ENORMOUS ACCOMPLISHMENTS
More than 50,000 square feet of enlargement ensues. Departments
that benefit from this process include Laboratory, Radiology, Emergency,
Intensive and Critical Care, Obstetrics and patient rooms.
1992 MERGER
Merger of Nesbitt Memorial Hospital with Wilkes-Barre General Hospital
and formulation of Wyoming Valley Health Care System.
2001 TRANSITION OF SERVICES
All acute care services at Nesbitt Memorial Hospital – including
labor and delivery, the nursery and
pediatrics – are relocated to an expanded and improved Nesbitt Women's
and Children's Center at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
2002 Behavioral Health Services Finds New Home
In the summer of 2002, Nesbitt Memorial Hospital is renamed Nesbitt
Memorial Medical Center, and
the majority of our behavior health services relocate into the renovated
facility. Nesbitt Memorial
Medical Center is now the home of First Hospital Wyoming Valley,
CHOICES (offering substance
abuse rehabilitation services), Advanced Psychological and Counseling
Services and the Family Enhancement Center (which became the Nurse-Family Partnership of Luzerne County in the Summer of 2006).