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It was a well known fact among the residents of Bell Island that they needed a hospital of their very own. The demand for a local hospital started in the early 1900s and Mr. Isaac Sheppard, a resident of the island, played an important role in convincing the government to construct a hospital. With an unwavering commitment Sheppard wrote many letters to the press and contacted a number of individuals to ensure that the medical needs of the residents on the island were not forgotten. Unfortunately, Mr. Sheppard passed away before the building of the hospital commenced.2
Wabana Star, local newspaper30 August 1962
Bell Island, Newfoundland, Canada
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On June 20th, 1963, the provincial government finally passed legislation entitled "An Act to Provide for the Construction of a Hospital at Bell Island".4
In 1963 the United Steelworkers of America under the leadership of D.I. (Nish) Jackman began donating 50 cents per week for a two year period towards the cost of building the hospital. Despite a downturn in operations at the mine the residents of Bell Island were excited and optimistic about their future and they made sure that it was possible for the hospital to be built.5
The committee in charge of the building of the hospital was able to reach their financial goal much sooner then anticipated due to the donation from the United Steelworkers of America. Other businesses and firms on Bell Island also donated substantial amounts of money to the construction efforts, bringing the local collection to $130,000.6
Smallwood, Joey1950
Newfoundland, Canada
7
On October 7th, 1963, just 4 months after the legislation was passed allowing a hospital to be built on Bell Island, Premier Joseph R. Smallwood broke the ground on which the hospital was to be built.The construction, which was headed up by both Colonial Construction from St. John's and M.A. Rose and son, was completed in 1965 and the building was ready for occupancy.
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Smallwood, Joey1950
Newfoundland, Canada
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Newspaper article announcing hospital opening16 February 1965
Wabana,Bell Island, Newfoundland, Canada
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Templeman, Walter1955
Wabana,Bell Island, Newfoundland, Canada
11
The new Dr. Walter Templeman Health Centre, named after Dr. Walter Templeman who dedicated his life to his patients on Bell Island, accepted its first patient on January 23rd, 1965.12
Patients at the Dr. Walter Templeman Health Centre1970
Dr. Walter Templeman Health Centre, Wabana, Bell Island, Newfoundland, Canada
13
Moakler, Lillian1965
Wabana,Bell Island, Newfoundland, Canada
14
The first administrator of the new hospital was Walter Brown. The first Director of Nurses was Lillian Moakler, a graduate of the General Hospital's School of Nursing and resident of Bell Island. Before she came to work at the new hospital on Bell Island Mrs. Moakler, who had extensive experience in general nursing, worked on the M.V. Lady Anderson. This hospital ship served many isolated communities throughout the province. |
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