Rutland Heights State Hospital

Rutland Heights State Hospital was a public medical facility located in Rutland, Massachusetts. The hospital was operational from 1898 to 1992 and was primarily used for treating tuberculosis patients.

History

Rutland Heights State Hospital was established in 1898 as the Rutland State Sanatorium. It was the first hospital in the nation to be built for the treatment of tuberculosis. The hospital was built on a hilltop in Rutland, providing patients with fresh air and sunlight, which were considered essential for the treatment of tuberculosis at the time.

In 1954, the hospital was renamed Rutland Heights Hospital and its focus shifted from tuberculosis to other respiratory diseases. The hospital also began to provide services for veterans and their families.

Facilities

The hospital complex included several buildings, such as patient wards, a nursing school, a chapel, and a morgue. The hospital also had a farm, which provided food for the patients and staff.

Closure and Aftermath

Rutland Heights State Hospital was closed in 1992 due to budget cuts. The buildings were left abandoned and fell into disrepair. In 2005, the buildings were demolished and the land was sold for development.

Legacy

Despite its closure, Rutland Heights State Hospital left a significant impact on the treatment of tuberculosis in the United States. The hospital's approach to treatment, which emphasized fresh air and sunlight, influenced the design and operation of other tuberculosis hospitals across the country.

See Also

• List of hospitals in Massachusetts
• History of tuberculosis
• Public health