Yodogawa Christian Hospital was founded on the belief that complete health is not achieved without a relationship with God, who is the creator of all human beings, and that this relationship is obtained only through knowing and believing Jesus Christ, who is the source of abundant life. Therefore the goal for Yodogawa Christian Hospital is to give glory to God through providing the best medical care possible, by focusing on the physical, and also the social, mental, and spiritual needs of patients through a concept of care called "Whole Person Healing"-an emphasis on the total care of each person.   In 1955, Yodogawa Christian Hospital was opened as a private clinic by Dr. Frank A. Brown, a medical missionary from the Presbyterian Church in the U.S. Dr. Brown became the first superintendent. He emphasized this concept of "Whole Person Healing" as a medical ministry in Christ's love, serving each patient as a total unity-body, mind, and spirit. This emphasis has become a legacy for the staff through many years.   In 1957, the first blood exchange transfusions began for blood incompatibilities, saving lives of many babies.   In 1960, Yodogawa Christian Hospital was given legal recognition as a religious juridical body under the Japan Mission of the Southern Presbyterian Church, U.S.   In 1972, a Perinatal Center was opened to promote and advance the care and treatment of newborn babies.   In 1984, YCH opened the first hospice in Western Japan. A team of specialists: doctors, nurses, medical social workers, chaplains, and others provide care not only for the physical pain but also for spiritual and other kinds of pain of patients. Care is provided for patients and families in a home-like atmosphere.   In 1990, the West building was completed with a Rehabilitation and a Health Care Promotion Center.   In 1995, when the Hanshin Earthquake struck Kobe, a team of YCH doctors and nurses immediately volunteered their services to provide emergency aid.   In 1998, the Elder Health Care Facility was opened with 100 beds to care for older people, also patients with dementia, and patients needing day care service.   In1999, the Endoscopy Center opened. There are rooms for gastrointestinal endoscopy, colonoscopy, and for ultrasonographic endoscopy. Medical experts administer various specialized tests in this center.   In 2002, Kidney Clinic and in 2003, Clinic: Dermatology, Psychiatry opened.   In 2003, YCH Clinics for Dermatology and Psychiatry were opened. 　Also a Neurology and Cerebrovascular Center was opened.   In 2004, the Branch Hospital was opened with a transfer of 120 beds resulting from a restructure of the Main Hospital. An Electronic Charting System was introduced.   A Digestive Disease Center was opened.   In 2005, a Respiratory Center was opened as a cooperative venture between internal medicine and surgery.    The 50th Anniversary celebration of the founding of YCH was held in May.