Recently discovered documents revealed that Lend A Hand Society, founded by Edward Everett Hale, was instrumental in the establishment and early operation of the Boston Floating Hospital for Children.
From 1896 to 1901, the Floating Hospital functioned as a department of Lend A Hand, providing free healthcare to underserved families with medical challenges. Hale and co-founder Rufus Tobey’s advocacy and LAH’s fundraising efforts were crucial in securing the resources needed for the project to come to fruition. As a prominent writer, humanitarian, and social reformer, Hale also used his influence to raise awareness of the hospital’s critical services and promote its innovative approach to healthcare. This partnership ensured that the hospital could expand its reach and meet the growing demand for accessible care.
In the late 19th century, the Boston Floating Hospital provided a revolutionary approach to pediatric healthcare by offering medical care aboard a ship that floated around Boston Harbor in the summer months. Founded to help the city’s most vulnerable children, the hospital combined fresh air with advanced medical treatment to combat diseases. Initially, it operated as a day hospital, but as the need for more intensive care grew, children often stayed as permanent patients. “It was also known for studying children’s diseases, innovations in milk formula, and for training nurses to instruct mothers in the care of sick children.” (Tufts Archival Research Center, Boston Floating Hospital)
One of the hospital’s most notable advancements was its atmospheric system, designed to regulate air quality. Using early refrigeration technology, the ship maintained a cool, stable environment that provided relief during Boston’s hot summers. This innovation was especially vital for children suffering from tuberculosis, as the cold, dry air helped speed their recovery. The staff meticulously controlled the wards’ temperature and humidity, creating one of the first hospital cooling systems, a pioneering practice for the time.
Entirely funded by donations, the hospital’s operations relied on public support. The commitment of its founders and advocates helped raise awareness and secure the necessary funds to ensure the hospital’s mission could continue. Their efforts were crucial to expanding services, as the hospital sought to accommodate more patients in need.
The Boston Floating Hospital was not just a medical facility but a symbol of hope for families across Boston. Its innovative practices and dedication to accessible care left a lasting legacy, which continues today through Tufts Medical Center.
Over the years, LAH has continued to partner with Tufts Medical Center social workers and advocates to provide emergency assistance grants to help patients gain health, stability, and safety in their lives.