Saint Francis Hospital Celebrates 125 Years

HARTFORD, CT — It's been a celebratory few days at a major Hartford-area hospital as Saint Francis Hospital celebrated its 125th anniversary with multiple events and celebrations.

Festivities actually started on Friday, with Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., on hand to honor an outstanding employee and bury a little history in the process.

"Since its founding, Saint Francis has been known for providing award-winning care," wrote Bysiewicz in an announcement of the event.

"Founded in 1897 by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Chambery, what began as a modest four-story brick building on the corner of Woodland and Collins Streets has grown into what is now the largest Catholic hospital in New England."

At a time capsule ceremony, hospital officials Friday dedicated a time capsule full of memorabilia in honor of the 125th.

The hospital also named its "Colleague of the Year" award for 2021, an award announced based on the 12 previous "Colleague's of the Month."

On Friday, the hospital named Gayle Presley, a lab technician in the cardiac catheter lab, as the 2021 "Colleague of the Year" for helping to deliver a baby in an elevator.

"Gayle encountered the patient and acted quickly to deliver the baby safely," wrote Saint Francis Hospital in a Facebook post.

In addition, Presley was nominated for her commitment and dedication to the Cardiac Cath Lab, wrote Saint Francis.

In addition, the hospital hosted a staff member barbecue to celebrate Saint Francis' anniversary.

For all coverage of the 125th anniversary, visit Saint Francis Hospital's Facebook page at this link.

To watch Friday's "Colleague of the Year" and time capsule ceremony, click on this link.