Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center celebrates 80 years

In honor of our 80th anniversary, we invite you to take a look back at historic photos, major milestones and significant events from the past eight decades at our hospital.

Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center opened on February 1, 1944. 

What began as a single story, 100-bed hospital, is today a renowned medical center offering distinguished care in many specialties with inpatient, outpatient and emergency services. 

One thing that has not changed over the past eight decades is our commitment to offering world-class, compassionate care to our community. This would not be possible without the dedication of our 2,100 caregivers, 800+ physicians and 200 volunteers who live our Mission every day, to care for the poor and vulnerable, and exemplify our values of Compassion, Dignity, Justice, Excellence and Integrity.

We look forward to continuing this legacy for many more decades to come.

Our founding.

In 1942, recognizing that the growing population of the San Fernando Valley needed reliable health care, two local doctors requested the Catholic Church’s help in establishing the Valley's first hospital. The Church turned to the Sisters of Providence who accepted the challenge to build and operate a facility in Burbank. 

Lockheed helped secure a federal grant and donated 11 acres across the street from Walt Disney Studios as a site for the new hospital, which the Sisters named in honor of Saint Joseph. 

A groundbreaking ceremony was held in February 1943, and a dedication ceremony — attended by more than 3,000 people — was held in November 1943.

Sisters of Providence circa 1940s, Burbank.

February 1, 1944. Our first patient.

St. Joseph Hospital, as we were then known, was scheduled to open at 8 a. m. When an expectant mother in labor showed up two and a half hours early, administrator Sister Flora Mary and Dr. Carl Land admitted her so the baby could be delivered safely.

Every decade has seen an expansion project at Saint Joseph.

The number of San Fernando Valley residents increased by nearly 40% from 1944 to 1953. The hospital needed to expand to continue to meet the region's growing health care needs. 

With support from the community, in 1953, the five-story, 100-bed East Wing opened — with three floors devoted to maternity services!

Supporters have always included major companies like Lockheed and Universal, as well as celebrities such as Walt Disney and Bob Hope. But individual residents have donated generously, as well.

11-year-old paper boy Michael Adams donated $1.10 from his earnings
to help with the construction of a new East Wing in 1953.