Virginia Beach’s First Hospital

by Justin Kirk | Oct 27, 2022

Virginia Beach gained popularity as a vacation spot in the 20th century, becoming a bustling community by the 1940s. With the nearest hospitals over 20 miles away in Norfolk, two local physicians recognized the need for a hospital in Virginia Beach. Dr. Waller Taylor...

Leigh Memorial Offers Innovative New Nursing Program

by Justin Kirk | Oct 27, 2022

In 1946, the School of Practical Nursing opened at Leigh Memorial Hospital, becoming the first nursing program in the country to be completed entirely in a hospital and co-sponsored by a vocational education program. The one-year course offered students the...

Norfolk Protestant Hospital Renamed

by Justin Kirk | Oct 27, 2022

Norfolk Protestant Hospital is renamed Norfolk General Hospital.

Community Donations Improve Martha Jefferson Hospital

by Justin Kirk | Oct 27, 2022

In the early 20th century, donations from community members made many improvements at Virginia hospitals possible. For years, Martha Jefferson Hospital had used a horse-drawn wagon as an ambulance. In 1931, wealthy patron James Patterson donated a Cadillac to the...

Martha Jefferson Hospital Opens

by Justin Kirk | Oct 27, 2022

The New, 50-Bed Martha Jefferson Hospital opens and is reorganized as a Not-For-Profit Community Hospital.