The Eva Hospital
The story of Noormarkku Hospital, illustrates not only the evolution of healthcare in the region but also the profound impact of the Ahlström family on local well-being. It all began with Eva Ahlström’s generous donation, commemorating her 60th birthday, which kickstarted the construction of the hospital in 1908. Designed by the renowned architect Lars Sonck, the graceful Art Nouveau-style building graced the banks of the Noormarkku River upon its completion in 1912.
Inside its walls, the hospital boasted general, maternity, and tuberculosis wards, offering a total of 27 patient beds. However, it wasn’t just the infrastructure that made Noormarkku Hospital exceptional; it was the dedication of local municipal doctors like Aleksis Tefke, who spearheaded advancements such as the acquisition of a cutting-edge X-ray machine in 1925.
Yet, as costs soared post-war, Ahlström made the difficult decision to sell a portion of the hospital. By 1953, changes were afoot as the shelter home closed its doors, transforming its space into a bustling maternity ward. The transition continued as the Ahlström company generously handed over the hospital and shelter home buildings to the joint municipality in 1953, leading to the dissolution of the foundation in 1959.
From there, Noormarkku Hospital found its permanent home under the ownership of the joint municipality, evolving into a vital community health center. In the 1970s, modern facilities sprang up adjacent to the original building, enhancing healthcare accessibility for locals. By the mid-1980s, the historic structure underwent a transformation into a vibrant day activity center, catering to the needs of the elderly in the community.