St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn, Long Island, specializes in cardiac (heart) treatment and surgery. Originally a children's camp, through the second half of the 20th century they've become a major heart center for people of all ages.
Founding
The hospital was founded in 1922 when two nuns of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary met the owner of the Munson Steamship Lines, who gave the order a house and 15 acres of land.
Children's Camp
Originally known as Elderfields, it served as a summer camp for inner-city children. In 1936, at the request of a Brooklyn hospital, the sisters took in 12 children needing rheumatic care.
Expansion as a Hospital
The sisters took in more children and Elderfields became the St. Francis Hospital and Sanatorium for Cardiac Children, assisted by grants from the Martha Hall Foundation.
Adult Care
By 1949, St. Francis was the largest hospital in the country for children's heart care. In 1954, it opened to adults. In the 1960s and 1970s a range of general medical services were added.
The Modern Era
In 1979, St. Francis became New York's only specifically designated heart center. Through the 1980s the hospital recruited well-regarded cardiovascular specialists.
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