As the flagship of Bethesda Health, Inc., Bethesda Hospital East is a fully accredited, community, not-for-profit hospital offering a full array of healthcare services through our Centers of Excellence. Bethesda Hospital East opened its doors in 1959 with 70 beds, a medical staff of 32 physicians, 65 employees and a mission to serve the community. At that time, the Hospital’s founders made a decision to establish Bethesda as a not-for-profit hospital. For over 50 years, the commitment to preserving this status has not wavered. It is this commitment to our community that has allowed Bethesda to grow and become a 401-bed, community, not-for-profit hospital with a mission to provide quality health services in a caring manner.