History: An integral part of the region for 130 years
The history of Cheshire Medical Center is tied to the history of the Monadnock region. It is a reciprocal relationship: As we have helped enhance the health and wellness of the residents and visitors to this area, local individuals and organizations have strengthened us with their trust, loyalty, and support.
This reciprocity goes back to the very beginning. In 1892, John Henry Elliot donated his family’s estate for our original site. With additional gifts and sweat equity from community members, the 18-bed Elliot City Hospital opened that September. Four years later we received our first (horse-drawn) ambulance, thanks to one Elizabeth Twitchell. In time, we were able to open new clinics and offer new services, often in partnership with local schools and community organizations.
20th-century expansion met the growing needs of the community
As the population of the region grew after World War I, Cheshire needed to keep pace. We expanded to 60 beds in the early 1920s. Then, after World War II, we added two floors to our obstetrical unit to keep up with local birth rates. In 1949, we opened a free prenatal clinic to ensure that low-income patients could get the care they needed for healthier babies.
The start of Medicare in 1966 was a boon to the healthcare business and meant that once again we needed more room. Hospital leadership decided to build a brand new facility. Thanks to more than $2.39 million in pledges, the newly named and constructed Cheshire Hospital was dedicated on February 23, 1973.
Today’s Cheshire is stronger than ever
As always, we are ready to respond to our community’s needs with compassion and an unwavering commitment to quality and safety. We’ve established our expertise in cancer care, radiology, OB/GYN, cardiology, orthopedics, women’s care, emergency medicine, and many other areas. And we have expanded our reach into communities throughout the region to provide essential services through partnerships between our Center for Population Health and local organizations.
Today, as part of the Dartmouth Health system, Cheshire Medical Center is connected to more resources, more specialists, and more communities than ever before. Yet we still have the same unwavering dedication to serving the people of the Monadnock region, and we continue to enjoy their trust and support. Our proud past and stable present point to a very bright and healthy future for us all.