The Board of Lady Visitors at New Haven Hospital was organized in February 1883 at the request of the New Haven Hospital Board of Directors as a working board for the comfort and care of hospital patients. The board met once a month from September to May, adjourning for the summer months. An annual meeting was held in February during which members would elect officers for the following year.
Every month, two members of the board would be elected to visit the hospital for observation. Concerns would be brought to the Hospital Superintendent or the Prudential Committee. Over the years, members not only identified needs of patients, but raised money to address and correct many issues. Work included projects such as the addition of a third story gallery, installing a ramp, adding furnishings, and a piano. The board oversaw improvements of the quality of food by adding hot boxes, steam cookers, and bed trays. The board helped to arrange entertainment for patients during Christmas and outings for children during the summer. Members found ways to appeal to the community for monetary donations, such as Hospital Sunday collections at churches.
On June 17, 1924, the Board of Ladies Visitors was disbanded. There are two excerpts from the Board of Lady Trustees monthly meetings that present a history of the board. They can be found in the annual meeting minutes of February1904 and February 1908.
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