Homeopathy started its journey in the U.S. in 1825 as physicians immigrated from Europe. The results of treatment with homeopathy were impressive and the public embraced gladly it as a safe and gentle form of medicine. By 1840 homeopathy was being used all over the United States. In 1844 homeopaths founded the American Institute for Homeopathy, it was the first medical organization in this country. In 1860 there were 99 homeopathic physicians in the state of New Jersey. Homeopathy was very popular, but not affordable to everyone.
The history of West Jersey Hospital dates from the spring of 1885, when a small hospital was opened at the northeast corner of 4th and Arch Streets, Camden. The main purpose was to give relief to the sick who were poor. The name that was chosen was Camden Homeopathic Hospital and Dispensary Association. It was the first successful attempt in Camden to establish an institution that would offer treatment to “worthy persons unable to employ a Homeopathic physician.” It was intended for women especially.
Unfortunately, in the fall of 1890, there was disharmony between the board and physicians and a lack of financial support. Hospital was closed and most of the equipment was sold. Only the Dispensary continued to work, to fulfill its contract with the city. But interest in the existence of such an institution still was there.
On April 30, 1891, a meeting of those interested resulted in the decision to form a new organization. The new name was The West Jersey Homeopathic Dispensary and Hospital Association. After appropriate preparation, the building at West and Stevens Streets was opened as a hospital for women and children. For the first time in the city of Camden, hospital facilities were provided accouchement. In 1909, the growth of the hospital necessitated further expansion. New six acres, known as the Kaighn Farm, was purchased. That become site on which the present buildings are located and old building on this property was adapted for a nurses’ home.
West Jersey doctors and nurses had an important role during the depression, and throughout World War II, both at home and on the war fronts. In 1966, West Jersey bought the hospital in Berlin and in 1973 opened a new hospital in Voorhees. In 1982 Garden State Hospital in Marlton was purchased. With this acquisition, West Jersey became the largest non-profit hospital system in South Jersey. In October 1998, Memorial Health Alliance and West Jersey Health System merged to create Virtua Health, the largest healthcare provider in South Jersey