Our CatllOlic Heritage in Texas
Sisters. Hot and cold water and all modem appurtenances are to be found in this hospital which is undoubtedly one of the best in the South. 33 In the meantime, in 1872, the small houses at the rear of the hospital had been converted by Mother St. Pierre, who succeeded Mother M. Madeleine, into an infirmary for patients suffering from contagious dis- eases. Mother St. Pierre, in spite of her many heavy duties insisted on caring for this ward. 34 A new wing on the east side of the original building was erected in 1894. This addition provided much needed space. On the first floor were the kitchen, dining rooms and several new wards, and on the second and third floors were the private rooms, operating rooms, and additional dining rooms. Within three years the growth and development of the city required the original building tom down and a new one, three stories high, the left wing of the present hospital, to be erected. A few years later a fourth floor was added. By 1900 Santa Rosa had become one of the leading hospitals not only in San Antonio, but in Texas. In keeping with its rank and progressive spirit a training school for nurses was opened in 1903. Its staff included physicians recognized as leaders in medicine in the entire Southwest. Among them were Doctors Ferdinand Herff, Julius Braunagel, W. D. McCarthy, James H. Bell, Adolph Herff, H. D. Bamitz, J. P. Oldham, A. S. McDaniel, J. H. Bindley, and Wm. Wolf. Many of the Sisters attended the classes and there was a goodly number among the members of the first graduating class in 1905. Soon after, a spacious modem building was put up as a Nurses Home where old St. Joseph's orphanage had been located. Most Reverend Bishop John Shaw added a clinic to Santa Rosa Hospital, which was opened on April 14, 1914. Spacious and modem, it met a need long desired and has ever since rendered invaluable service. Eminent physicians and surgeons have always freely contributed their time and services. On the eve of the Texas centennial, in 1935, the clinic treated 6,237 out patients and 456 bed patients. It cost $27,948 to maintain it in operation that year and the total receipts were $3,259.85, the deficit being $24,688.15. The good accomplished adequately justified the expenditure.
''The Daily Express, San Antonio, January r3, r887, 34 Shelly, o-,. cit., 39.
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