Lakeland Medical Facilities Had Humble Start in 1872

Camden Courier-Post – May 19, 1964

The Alms House Infirmary opened in 1872 in what was then known as Blackwoodtown.

From this humble beginning there have grown at Lakeland: the Camden County General Hospital, Hospital for Chest Diseases, Mental Hospital, Camden County Alms House and the Shelter for Children.

In 1926 a receiving building and surgical building, two stories in height, were built as additions to the infirmary. The additions still stand. The original building does not.

In 1933 the Camden County General Hospital was built on the site of the original infirmary.

Mrs. Gray Served Many Years

Mrs. Marie C. Gray came to the hospital as chief nurse in 1928 and was made superintendent the following year. She remained until last October when she retired and was succeeded by Miss Helen Price.

"The situation in the early days was, a great challenge," recalled Mrs. Gray who visits the hospital three days weekly in an advisory capacity. “There was no professional staff and only one attending physician. The freeholders felt then there was no real care for the patients and that a professional staff should be developed.

"I was appointed from year to year. I had a reputation as a disciplinarian and never knew whether or not I’d be reappointed.My task was to develop a teaching program for attendants, revise the dietary department and institute a better personnel program.At that time there were no hours off. We started then by giving two hours off per day and a half day per week. The working personnel lived on the grounds."

Patients Paid Little

Mrs. Gray recalled that when she started all financial aid came from Camden County and small amounts paid by patients. This total from the patients was only $4,600 her first year. Now the total from patients, including state aid, is around $500,000. This item is called cash receipts and comes from Social Security, private funds, welfare grants, insurance and Blue Cross.

In 1933 the present seven-story, 200-bed hospital was constructed. Working personnel has jumped from 24 in 1928 to 249 in 1964.These include registered nurses, practical nurses, attendants, laboratory technicians, X-ray technicians, physical therapists and their aides, Social Service and office workers and others. There was one clerk in 1928.

The home care program, is a favorite topic today with Mrs. Gray, Miss Price and Dr. Nathan Asbell, medical director.

Dr. Asbell said: “The home care program is designed to increase medical services in Camden County. Its purpose is to bring to the patients of Camden County hospital facilities without hospitalization.

Complete Facilities

"By providing these hospital services at home, convalescence will be shortened, rehabilitation enhanced and recovery assured. This program provides every medical facility necessary for rehabilitation that is obtainable in a hospital. There is no set standard for rehabilitation."

Dr.Asbell continued that the goal is that the best individual medical result be obtained and "the patient be returned to society as a useful citizen. We further believe that by providing these services at home, the patient is placed in an environment that is most conducive to his quick recovery."

Freeholder Hahn is now director of institutions. He succeeded Freeholder Sandone.