ABC News

Facilities staff find 50-year-old 'treasure' hidden in hospital basement

Green Bay hospital finds Geiger counters and radiation detection kits, dated 1962

By Healthcare Facilities Today


Christmas came early this year for officials at Green Bay's St. Vincent Hospital, according to a story on the WBAY.com website.

Tucked away in the basement, they unearthed a treasure dating back some 50 years. Twelve boxes, never opened, full of Geiger counters and radiation detection kits, shipped from the Office of Civil Defense, dated 1962.

In the heart of the cold war, Americans had real fears a nuclear attack would become reality. The government spent 23 million dollars, a lot of money in the 1960s, preparing the nation. St. Vincent Hospital was no exception, the article said.

"Hospitals are obligated to care for their patients, their welfare, their safety, and that includes safety from terrorist events, and in 1962, from possible nuclear detonations, so that's what we did,"  Steve Pelch, St. Vincent Hospital's Director of Safety and Security, said in the article.

"They're all actually pristine condition. They're still in their original packaging with absorbent materials, and they've never been touched or put into use," said Pelch in the articles.

Read the article.

 



December 16, 2013


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Disinfectant Dispensers in Healthcare Facilities Often Fail to Deliver Safe Concentrations: Study

Study of 10 hospitals finds 90 percent have at least one dispenser delivering disinfectants at incorrect concentrations.


Duke University Health System Receives $50 Million for Proton Beam Therapy Center

The donation is the largest philanthropic gift received by Duke University Health System.


UT Southwestern Experiences Data Breach Through Calendar Tool

The incident occurred in October.


Protecting Patient Data: Strategies and Tactics

As cyber threats and breaches grow, healthcare organizations and facilities need a better approach to cybersecurity.


Duke Health to Acquire Lake Norman Regional Medical Center

The closing is projected for the first quarter of 2025.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.