Northwestern Dispensary Explained

The Northwestern Dispensary was "founded under the auspices of the 'New York Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor'"^[1] in 1852. Their first location was 511 Eight Avenue. Funding for construction of a second building was part of the city budget.^{[2] [3]} Its location was Ninth Avenue and 36th Street.^[4]

Like other dispensaries, one purpose was "to promptly, without charge .. every five years" vaccinate all residents of New York City against smallpox. Funding was specifically given to this dispensary.^{[5] [6]}

Censured

The purpose of the hospital was to deal with the poor, yet "that they had no money" was the reason a doctor was not sent to deal with an age 60 immigrant who died for lack of medical attention. The result was a jury verdict of "we censure the physicians of the Northwestern Dispensary, for their culpable negligence in not answering the call made upon them to attend the patient."^[7]

See also

• List of hospitals in Manhattan

Notes and References

1. News: . A Plea for the Northwestern Dispensary. . August 25, 1859.
2. News: The New York Times. City and County Affairs .. The Tax Levy. February 5, 1861.
3. News: The New York Times. Board of Councilmen. Building for the Northwestern Dispensary. January 16, 1866.
4. This was their second location. Web site: Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) . North-western Dispensary, (Incorporated 1852). Ninth Avenue, corner Thirty-sixth Street.
5. News: The New York Times. Board of Councilmen.; Tens to be allowed in the park; the $25 city bounty. the sum of ... to the Northwestern Dispensary. July 22, 1862.
6. News: . City Government.; Board Of Aldermen. Relief For The Elm-Street Sufferers--Proposed Reward For The Detection Of The Murderer Of Tuers--Donations To Churches--A Sudden Adjournment. The Board Of Councilmen. Widening And Extending Streets--Condition Of The Sinking Fund--Security For Residents In Tenement Houses.. A petition from the managers of the Northwestern Dispensary for a donation of ... was received and referred to the Committee on Finance.. February 14, 1860.
7. News: . General City News: A Case of medical Negligence . March 1, 1863.