People: W. Malcolm MacLeod
W.Malcolm MacLeod
W. Malcolm MacLeod was the administrative leader of Elizabeth General Hospital from 1936-1963. His position evolved over the years from Superintendent to what we would refer to as President and Chief Executive Officer. In fact, during the term of his successor, George F. Billington, this change in title was effected to reflect the changes in healthcare administration that we recognize today.
He presided over the institution when the James S. Green Memorial Tumor Clinic was opened in 1937. Later, the West wing was constructed and opened, a recovery room was created, and a new East wing was undertaken. Patient length of stay was also reduced because of increases in efficiency, the implementation of new drugs and surgical procedures, and the positive effects of new equipment and treatment modalities developed and introduced.
Malcolm MacLeod poses with nurse for what was most likely a publicity photo or a photo for a brochure or annual report.
W. Malcolm MacLeod (top row, far right) was present at the signing of the contract to build the West Wing of Elizabeth General Hospital on June 29, 1950. The Elizabeth Daily Journal published information about the project shortly thereafter, and the project went on to be completed successfully.
In the bottom row, from left to right, were Donald L. Ferguson, chairman of the building committee; Edward K. Cumming, Chaiman of the Board of Trustees; Col. John M. Dudley of the building committee; and W. Eugene Phares, a longtime executive associated with Elizabeth General.
The top row, along with Mr. MacLeod, were, from left to right, Wilhemene Twidale, RN, Director of the School of Nursing; Ruth S. Stallard; William O. Wuester, MD; Thomas Roy Jones, building committee member and future board chairman; an unidentified physician; and Mr. MacLeod.
This information was last reviewed or updated on May 11, 2026. Adjustments may be made to this page as new information is added, making this a continual work in progress.
Behavioral Health Article
W. Malcolm MacLeod authored an interesting article in the November, 1938 issue of The Modern Hospital, an American journal on hospital care and management. Click here to see a .pdf of the article from the collection donated to the Elizabeth Public Library.
The Modern Hospital, Vol. 51, No. 5, November, 1938