“Caring for mothers and children,” that’s a phrase often associated with \u8056\u30d0\u30eb\u30ca\u30d0\u75c5\u9662. Here we are at \u8056\u30d0\u30eb\u30ca\u30d0\u75c5\u9662 in Osaka. This hospital has a rich history. It is dedicated to providing medical services.
\u8056\u30d0\u30eb\u30ca\u30d0\u75c5\u9662 was founded in 1873. It holds the distinction of being the oldest hospital. It is part of the Anglican Church in Japan. Its story began with Dr. Henry Laning. He was a missionary doctor. The Episcopal Church of the United States appointed him.
In July 1873, Dr. Laning arrived in Osaka. He started offering medical care from his home. This was in Yorikich\u014d. He also devoted time to learning Japanese. By 1878, Dr. Laning had treated thousands of patients. Bishop Channing Moore Williams recognized Laning’s contributions. He reported them to the US headquarters.
The success of Laning’s clinics led to calls for a hospital. Doctors wanted a dedicated space. They requested funds from the US headquarters. Female working groups in New York pledged their support. In September 1883, their vision materialized. A two-story wooden hospital opened. It was located at Kawaguchi-cho 8. Dr. Laning became its first president. Theodosius Stevens Tyng oversaw the construction.
The number of patients grew steadily. This was true for both \u8056\u30d0\u30eb\u30ca\u30d0\u75c5\u9662 and another clinic in Tokyo. That clinic later became St. Luke’s International Hospital. By 1888, \u8056\u30d0\u30eb\u30ca\u30d0\u75c5\u9662 had served over 8,000 visiting patients. Eighty-eight patients stayed at the hospital that year.
After nearly 40 years of service, Dr. Laning returned to the United States in 1913. His son succeeded him as the hospital’s second president. In 1923, \u8056\u30d0\u30eb\u30ca\u30d0\u75c5\u9662 relocated to Saikudani. William Merrell Vories designed the new main building. It was completed in 1928.
Sh\u014dz\u014d Nisizaki became the first Japanese president in 1941. The hospital established an affiliated midwife school in 1942. It was called “J\u014dnan Midwife School.” During the war in 1943, the hospital’s name changed to “Osaka Dait\u014da Hospital.” In 1945, the original name “St. Barnabas’ Hospital” was restored. The midwife school also reverted to its former name.
In 2005, a new hospital building was completed. Today, \u8056\u30d0\u30eb\u30ca\u30d0\u75c5\u9662 continues its commitment to healthcare. It is particularly focused on maternal health. The hospital delivers over 1,000 births each year.
\u8056\u30d0\u30eb\u30ca\u30d0\u75c5\u9662 stands as a testament to enduring service. It reflects a legacy of care for the community.