At the turn of the century a group of missionary physicians from the Seventh-Day Adventist Church arrived in Puerto Rico to work at a sugar cane plantation in Guánica. Among them came Dr. William D. Dunscombe, who set himself apart due to his generosity, professionalism and philanthropy. After twenty years of working the south part of the island, some patients who resided in Mayagüez asked him to acquire a small hospital that had become available, and to transfer himself to this city. Dr. Dunscombe accepted such offer with the assurance that this hospital would better serve the community.

Two physicians, four graduate nurses and a group of practical nurses and aides joined him in this venture. Due to World War II, the small hospital was taken over by the government. Nevertheless, this did not lessen the iron will of those men and women dedicated to serving mankind. They began searching for another place, and found a big house in the center of the downtown area in Mayagüez. The place was furnished for doctors’ offices, which included laboratory and radiology departments, and thus, Bella Vista Policlinic was born. Soon thereafter the Policlinic had achieved widespread recognition, serving patients from all over the island that came here for their treatment. That was when Dr. Dunscombe felt the need to establish a hospital where he could admit his patients, and then offered to donate the Policlinic to the Seventh-Day Adventist Church asking in return to have a hospital built.

In April 1950 the “Ground-Breaking” Ceremony for the Bella Vista Hospital took place, and in January of 1954 the doors of this institution were opened bringing physical, mental and spiritual relief to the community. Bella Vista Hospital brings prestige to the city of Mayagüez (“Sultana del Oeste”) for the quality services it offers the residents of the entire region. We thank God for using the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in establishing this hospital. This institution, a thousand feet above the sea level and located at Cerro Las Mesas serves as a lighthouse and monument of the Lord so that those in need may find health restoration and hope in Jesus Our Savior.