Mary Bridge Children's Hospital History 

Mary Bridge Children's Hospital was established in 1955, through the perseverance of dedicated women of the Tacoma Orthopedic Association. They were convinced of the need for a specialized health care center in Tacoma to serve the children of Western Washington. Key funding came from the estate of Dr. Albert W. Bridge, a pioneer physician who practiced in Eatonville and Tacoma, and the hospital was named for his mother.

Today, Mary Bridge Children's Hospital & Health Center is the only pediatric hospital in Western Washington dedicated to caring for the special health needs of the children. From open-heart surgery to asthma treatment, cancer care to diabetes, Mary Bridge specializes in advanced care for children. At Mary Bridge, we offer specialized pediatric care, equipment and facilities that aren't available in most communities. When a child receives care at Mary Bridge, our specialists work closely with local pediatricians or primary care providers, making sure children receive the care they need. With its family-centered care philosophy, Mary Bridge provides services and accommodations for families in a child-friendly environment—a place where kids get better quicker.

1921 – The Tacoma Orthopedic Association was formed by Gertrude E.V. Baker for the purpose of raising funds to start a children’s hospital in Tacoma.

1947 – Local physician A.W. Bridge passed away.  He had amassed a surprisingly large estate and said that his estate was to be used to help start a children’s hospital in Tacoma. He specifically requested that if his money were used for this purpose, he would like it named after his mother, Mary.

1953-54 – Plans were announced for the building of a 40-bed general children's hospital.

1954 – Construction was started in February and in May the cornerstone was laid by TV Host Ed Sullivan.  Federal Judge George Boldt was master of ceremonies.

1955 – Mary Bridge Children's Hospital officially opened with Mr. A. L. Howarth as director.

1958 – The first-ever open-heart surgery at Mary Bridge was performed by Dr. Thomas Murphy.  The cardiac surgery program ceased in the early 1970s.

1974-77 – The name was expanded to Mary Bridge Children's Health Center to include more diverse services. The Health Center also launched a $3.5 million expansion drive.

1976 - The new Speech and Hearing building opened across the street from the main hospital.

1980 – Mary Bridge Children's Health Center became part of Consolidated Hospitals, later to become MultiCare.

1984 – Mary Bridge initiated its critical care transport team program.  Mary Bridge ER moves from Division and ‘L’ streets to 4th and ‘J’ streets.

1987 – Mary Bridge expanded its inpatient services into the new wing at Tacoma General Hospital on ‘K’ Street (now Martin Luther King, Jr. Way).  The Emergency Department treated nearly 20,000 children, the highest volume pediatric emergency in Washington.

1990 – MultiCare opened its first satellite clinic – Gig Harbor Urgent Care Center –creating an essential link between Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and pediatric care in the local community.

1991 – Plans underway for the renovation of the 7th floor at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital to provide additional medical/surgical beds and relocate the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

1993 – The new 7th floor opened with technologically advanced equipment and a "castle theme."

1994 – Mary Bridge Children's Hospital became the only emergency room in Western Washington designated for trauma care of children. Outreach to Kent and Auburn began with the addition of new MultiCare clinic sites.

1996 – A helistop was added to receive critically ill and injured children from all over Western Washington. Its addition was designed to transport these children to Mary Bridge’s Level II pediatric trauma center quicker to optimize their chances for better outcomes.

1997-1998 – Mary Bridge satellite clinics opened in Silverdale, Olympia and Covington.

1998 – Mary Bridge started their pediatric open-heart surgery program. During the first year, 110 surgeries were performed.

2001 – A $15 million campaign announced to build a new outpatient center and start a charity care endowment fund.  The Campaign for Mary Bridge is a huge success.

2003 – The Campaign for Mary Bridge achieves its $15 million goal and groundbreaking on the new Mary Bridge Children's Health Center occurs in June.

2005 – In March, the new Mary Bridge Children's Health Center opens in celebration of Mary Bridge's 50th Anniversary.

*Information Directly Quoted From: ‘Multicare – Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital & Health Center’.  http://www.multicare.org/marybridge.  September, 2010.