How would you feel if you were treated in Atlanta’s oldest hospital? That is Saint Joseph’s Hospital. It stands as a beacon of compassionate care. Founded in 1880 by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Joseph’s has a rich history. It began with just four sisters. They possessed only 50 cents between them. These determined women sought to serve Atlanta’s growing population.
Bishop William Gross of Savannah recognized a pressing need. He asked the Sisters of Mercy to establish a hospital here. Before the Civil War, hospitals were rare in the South. They were often seen as places to isolate the sick and dying. Atlanta lacked a dedicated hospital. The Sisters of Mercy stepped in to fill this void.
Sister Mary Cecilia Carroll led the charge. She had experience running a Marine Hospital in Savannah. With her leadership, the sisters acquired a house at Baker and Collins streets. This became the 10-bed Atlanta Hospital. It opened its doors on April 21, 1880. The Daily Constitution declared, “Atlanta has a hospital at last.” This marked a permanent institution dedicated to healing.
In 1881, Atlanta Hospital became Saint Joseph’s Infirmary. The sisters highlighted its modern amenities. Hot and cold water ensured patient comfort. By 1900, Saint Joseph’s established the first nursing school in Georgia. The first class graduated in 1903. Five women received diplomas at nearby Marist College. The nursing school continued until the 1970s. Nursing programs then integrated into universities.
Saint Joseph’s expanded. A surgical wing was added in 1902. Dr. Robert D. Spalding provided a generous donation. During the Great Depression, Haverty Hall was established. It served the needs of the less fortunate. The Sisters of Mercy provided food, clothing, and aid. They extended their help into the streets of Atlanta.
In 1953, a new $4 million facility was built. Long-time supporters like Mr. and Mrs. Hughes Spalding Sr. attended the opening. The 1970s brought rapid growth. Saint Joseph’s relocated to Peachtree Dunwoody Road in 1975. The new 300-bed facility opened in 1978. Saint Joseph’s Infirmary became Saint Joseph’s Hospital.
Saint Joseph’s doctors and nurses ventured into downtown Atlanta. They carried medical supplies to soup kitchens and shelters. The Mercy Care Mobile Unit was introduced. In 1989, WINGS raised funds for Saint Joseph’s Mercy Care. It has contributed millions to healthcare endeavors.
Today, Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital has 410 beds. It is serviced by over 750 physicians. In 1956, Saint Joseph’s Infirmary performed the first open-heart surgery in the Southeast. Dr. William Hopkins used his heart-lung machine. In 1979, the hospital pioneered angioplasty. It became an alternative to bypass surgery.
Dr. Douglas A. Murphy performed the hospital’s first heart transplant in 1987. He later performed the first robotic heart surgery in Georgia. In 2012, the hospital became Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital. It affiliated with Emory Healthcare. Saint Joseph’s continues to provide compassionate care. Its mission remains the same. It is a beacon of hope in Atlanta.