Speare Memorial Hospital had its beginnings in 1892. Known then as the Emily Balch Cottage Hospital, it was named for the mother of Catherine Holmes Balch of Holderness, one of 13 original organizers.

The monies to establish the hospital were raised by subscription, entertainment, etc., and the cost was $700. Room rates were $15 per week. The early 1900’s hospital was in a building located on Highland Street in Plymouth, which was destroyed by fire in 1916. The hospital was rebuilt in 1920 on property located on the Campton-Plymouth border and was known as the Emily Balch Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital. Mr. Sceva Speare, a prominent and successful banker from Nashua, visited a friend at the hospital in 1940 and issued a challenge to the community to raise $50,000 to match a donation from him to build a new hospital. The next nine years were dedicated to various fund raising activities. An October 17, 1949 construction began on the $523,400 project.

In 1985, the building underwent a major addition, along with long overdue extensive renovations. The newly constructed building added over 10,000 square feet, and an increase of 40% in usable space, at a cost of $2.1 million, which include necessary equipment. Major improvements were accomplished in the areas of: administration, business offices, emergency department, medical records, pharmacy, radiology, laboratory, central supply, physical therapy, etc. A much-needed intensive care unit with step down units became available for those patients recovering from critical illness. This entirely new area has state-of-the-art equipment for patient care.

In 1989, space was added for a new surgical operating suite as well as storage and receiving for the purchasing department.

In 1996, the hospital completed the Rooke Family Pavilion, which renovated and expanded its outpatient services. A series of building improvements and renovations included the opening of the Medical Center at 19 Avery Street.

We have enhanced our hospital and equipped it with the best equipment available. However, our hospital is more than steel and concrete. Its value is measured not by architecture, but by the medical services we provide to the people we serve.

Our growth represents the recognition by our community of its responsibility for providing the means for helping each other keep well or restore lost health. The word “community” includes the people of the surrounding towns - Ashland, Bridgewater, Bristol, Campton, Groton, Hebron, Holderness, Lincoln/Woodstock, Plymouth, Rumney, Thornton, Warren, Waterville Valley and Wentworth - and all those who have contributed to and benefit from Speare Memorial Hospital. Our hospital belongs to its community and exists only to serve the health needs of all in the community.

Your Health Care Team
More than 200 people are involved in making your stay at Speare Memorial Hospital as comfortable and healthful as possible....

A Few Hospital Departments
As a patient at Speare Memorial Hospital, you may receive services from these departments ...