X-ray, Business Offices, Medical Library expand. Central oxygen system installed to provide oxygen to patient rooms, nurseries, operating rooms. 1946 Gary physician, Benjamin F. Grant is the first African-American to join Medical Staff. Methodist opens the first Physical Therapy Department in Lake County. The sweeping polio epidemic of the late '40s and early '50s prompts Methodist to be the only local hospital to knowingly accept polio patients.
Many respirators are in use during the height of the epidemic.
Rev. Eugene R. Balsley becomes the hospital's first Chaplain, beginning a tradition of serving hospital employees, community religious leaders, as well as patients. The third major construction project begins under the direction of Administrator George Wren. A fourth floor is added to the East Wing and the hospital will have an L-shaped configuration offering 244 beds when construction is complete in 1954. A Pediatrics Department, new warehouse, Chaplain's home, Interns' quarters, morgue, and animal room are added. Nursing educational program is revitalized as university classes are added to address the nursing shortage.