Ottari Sanitarium

Ottari Sanatarium

Ottari Sanitarium was a historic medical facility located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Established in the early 20th century, it served as a treatment center for patients suffering from tuberculosis, a highly contagious and often deadly disease at the time.

History

Ottari Sanitarium was founded in 1909 by Dr. James McKee, a prominent physician in Raleigh. The facility was built on a large tract of land on the outskirts of the city, chosen for its fresh air and natural surroundings, which were believed to be beneficial for tuberculosis patients. The sanitarium was designed to provide a serene and therapeutic environment, with open-air pavilions and extensive grounds for patients to walk and rest.

Facilities

The sanitarium featured several buildings, including patient wards, a main administration building, and various support structures. The patient wards were designed to maximize exposure to fresh air and sunlight, which were considered crucial elements in the treatment of tuberculosis. The facility also included a dining hall, a chapel, and recreational areas to support the overall well-being of the patients.

Treatment

At Ottari Sanitarium, patients received a combination of rest, nutritious food, and medical care. The treatment regimen often included prolonged bed rest, exposure to fresh air, and a diet rich in calories and vitamins. The sanitarium also employed various medical treatments available at the time, such as pneumothorax therapy and surgical interventions.

Decline and Closure

With the advent of antibiotics in the 1940s, the treatment of tuberculosis underwent a significant transformation. The new medications proved highly effective in curing the disease, reducing the need for long-term care facilities like Ottari Sanitarium. As a result, the number of patients at the sanitarium began to decline, and it eventually closed its doors in the 1950s.

Legacy

Although Ottari Sanitarium no longer exists, its legacy lives on in the history of medical treatment for tuberculosis. The site where the sanitarium once stood has since been redeveloped, but it remains a significant part of Raleigh's medical history.

Related Pages

• Tuberculosis
• James McKee
• Pneumothorax
• Antibiotics
• Raleigh, North Carolina