black & white photo hallway with two nurses standing at doorways on each side

Pavilion Wards, ca. 1878

As the patient load increased at the hospital, separate ward buildings were constructed. These wards, connected by covered corridors, were isolated from one another in an attempt to avoid infection transmission. Known collectively as the Pavilion Wards, they were individually lettered and also named in recognition of prominent MGH physicians. Above left is the Bigelow Ward (C), intended for female patients. Above right is the Townsend Ward (D), for male patients.