The Miriam Hospital: A Legacy of Caring for the Community

A 247-bed, private, not-for-profit hospital, The Miriam Hospital is renowned for providing superior patient care, offering the latest in medical treatment by leading physicians who are training the next generation of doctors, and for its commitment to being at the forefront of medical research. The hospital’s roots can be traced back to 1907 when a group of concerned women embarked on an ambitious goal—to establish a hospital in Providence. Their dream, to provide quality medical care for Jewish immigrants in surroundings where their language and customs were understood, was achieved in 1926 when The Miriam received a charter from the Rhode Island state legislature.

Over the years, The Miriam has remained true to its founding mission and heritage. Today, it is a nationally renowned health care provider dedicated to medical innovation. Its medical “firsts” include Rhode Island’s first lung operation, kidney transplant, and successful open heart surgery. In addition, the hospital was the first in the state to perform artificial disc replacement surgery and robot-assisted surgery, and the first in the region to use the Merci retriever to remove blood clots.

The Miriam joins just three other U.S. hospitals in receiving six consecutive Magnet Awards for overall nursing excellence, outperforming national benchmarks. The hospital’s nursing philosophy is based on patient-centered, relationship-based care that values and acknowledges the uniqueness of the individual through compassion, respect, and attention to cultural and ethnic diversity.

As the community grew, so did its need for healthcare services. The hospital transitioned from a 63-bed facility on Parade Street to its current home on Summit Avenue, dedicating the new complex on April 24, 1966 “… to serve all the people of Rhode Island, regardless of race, creed, origin, or economic means.”