Carney Hospital
Dorchester Illustration 2687
This image is a postcard of the Carney Hospital, Dorchester, Massachusetts, circa 1953.
Carney Hospital closed its doors at the end of August. It was a casualty of financial decisions made by Steward Health Care Network. Carney Hospital owes its beginning to the generosity of Andrew Carney, a Boston clothing manufacturer. Originally founded in 1863 on the Howe estate on Dorchester Heights in South Boston, the hospital moved to its Dorchester location in 1953.
The hospital was operated by the Sisters of St. Vincent de Paul. Later it became part of Caritas Christi system of hospitals. In 2010 it became part of the Steward Health Care Network.
The following is a telegram sent to the Carney Hospital from John F. Kennedy.
From: The White House Washington DC October 8, 1963
To: Sister Margaret Administrator Carney Hospital
I am pleased to send greetings and congratulations to the professional, administrative and volunteer staff of Carney Hospital as you commemorate a century of medical service to the citizens of Boston.
Your institution was conceived during a period of crisis and transition in American history when hospitals, although desperately needed to care for Civil War casualties, were few in number and inadequately equipped and staffed. Established in this period of great national need, Carney Hospital is among those institutions that have consistently pioneered for the best possible medical care.
Your continuing advances in clinical medicine, as well as your active support of medical research and education have helped to establish close cooperation between hospitals and medical schools and strengthened the quality and quantity of our nation’s medical resources.
Over the years Bostonians have come to look upon Carney Hospital with both pride and appreciation. The contributions of your institution, however, reach far beyond the geographical boundaries of the community you serve. Progress against disease and disability in any part of our country is a step toward better health for the entire nation—one of which all Americans can acclaim.
John F. Kennedy