Battey State Hospital

 

Army Hospital to State Hospital

Battey State Hospital has a rich history dating to its establishment in 1943 during World War II. Originally, it served as a temporary Army General Hospital and was named in honor of Dr. Robert Battey, a renowned physician and Confederate Civil War veteran. Dr. Battey had made significant contributions to medical advancements in Rome, Georgia, and had established a successful medical practice.

In June 1946, Battey General transformed and was reopened as Battey State Hospital, this time functioning as a specialized hospital for tuberculosis patients. During that era, the standard approach to treating tuberculosis involved placing patients on bed rest, isolating them from others, and administering medication. In more severe cases, patients also received treatments for collapsed lungs. Battey State Hospital, Embarked on an active research program aimed at enhancing tuberculosis treatment something that would continue into the 1990’s. Its dedication to improving this disease’s management earned it recognition nationally and worldwide.

Doctor Robert Battey

Robert Battey, a native of Augusta, was a distinguished figure in the field of gynecology. In 1856, he obtained his degree from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. During the American Civil War, Battey served as a surgeon in the Nineteenth Georgia Volunteer Regiment for four years. Following the war, he relocated to Rome, Georgia.

Battey’s remarkable contributions to the field revolved around his pioneering work in a procedure aimed at removing a woman’s ovaries. Originally known as ovariotomy, the procedure gained recognition as “Battey’s Operation” in his honor. Today, it is referred to as a radical oophorectomy. In May 1869, Battey accomplished the first successful oophorectomy by effectively removing a sizable dermoid cyst. Subsequently, on August 27, 1872, he performed his inaugural ‘normal’ oophorectomy on Julie Omberg, a patient afflicted with diseased ovaries. Remarkably, Julie Omberg lived to the age of 80.

Battey’s influence extended beyond his surgical achievements. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Gynecological Infirmary in Rome, Georgia. The institution later underwent expansion and was renamed the Martha Battey Hospital in honor of his wife.

Tuberculosis in the Post-War Era

The 1950s witnessed significant advancements in tuberculosis (TB) treatments, signifying a pivotal era in the battle against this infectious disease. Antibiotics, particularly streptomycin, which was discovered in the late 1940s, became the primary approach to managing TB during this time. Streptomycin proved to be a revolutionary breakthrough, directly targeting the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis responsible for the disease. However, despite these advancements, challenges persisted.

Drug resistance and adverse side effects posed hurdles in effectively treating TB. The disease remained prevalent and often fatal, necessitating lengthy hospital stays and stringent isolation measures to curb its transmission. Nevertheless, the developments in the 1950s laid a solid groundwork for future breakthroughs in TB treatment, paving the way for the development of more efficacious and better-tolerated medications in the following decades.

Georgia Regional Hospital in Rome

In July of 1973, a significant transition occurred as the hospital, previously recognized as “Battey State Hospital,” underwent a name change and became “Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital at Rome.” Following the construction of state-of-the-art modern buildings, In August 1975 the hospital admitted its first group of adult psychiatric patients as well as individuals seeking treatment for alcohol and drug abuse. This marked a significant step forward in expanding the hospital’s services and addressing the mental health and substance abuse needs of the community.

Over 27 years, Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital at Rome (NWGRH) assumed a vital role in delivering essential care to mentally ill and developmentally disabled patients within the region. By 1977, the hospital consistently attended to an average of 281 patients per day, showcasing its considerable impact on the community. In response to evolving needs, the hospital further expanded its services in the 1980s, introducing a dedicated Child/Adolescent Unit to cater to the unique requirements of young patients. Additionally, NWGRH established a department specifically designed to accommodate individuals declared criminally insane or awaiting trial.

Slow Closure

In June 2011, amid a surge of controversy surrounding the treatment of patients in Georgia’s state-operated psychiatric hospitals, the hospital officially ceased admitting new patients. Eventually, in 2021, the last long-term resident left the facility, bringing an end to an era. This closure sparked discussions and raised concerns about mental health care practices within the state.

Today spanning 180 acres, the former hospital site is dotted with 145 empty buildings, each serving a unique purpose. These structures include staff residences, patient cottages, workshops, maintenance facilities, administrative buildings, a recreation center, a chapel, and a medical center. Among the notable buildings, the original administration building, constructed in 1943, The chapel, also dating back to the same era stands nearby, adding to the site’s architectural and historical charm. Together, these buildings showcase the enduring legacy of the former hospital and its rich heritage.

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