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

Parking: Where the Outpatient Land Crunch Shows First

Healthcare systems that treat parking as a strategic design variable from the first feasibility pass will have more sites to choose from.


Clear Behavioral Health Opens New Outpatient Mental Health Center in Anaheim Hills

It offers an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for adults and teens ages 13 to 17 across east Anaheim and the surrounding communities.


Bon Secours Begins Construction on Freestanding Emergency Department in Norfolk

It is expected to open in late 2027.


The OR HVAC Puzzle: Why Individual Systems Are on the Rise

Extra penetrations, tight clearances and strict humidity needs—design experts explain what it really takes to plan dedicated units for each operating room.


Skanska Completes Renovation of Specialized Care Facility for Sutter Health

The project was delivered through a highly coordinated effort, utilizing advanced construction methodologies to maintain efficiency.


 
 


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.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.