The history of Melrose-Wakefield Hospital stretches over 100 years. Founded in the late 19th century, it grew to a full-service hospital at the Lebanon Street location by the late 1950s. By 1975 the six-story building, which included an intensive care unit, emergency services, and maternity and radiology departments, was complete.

Melrose-Wakefield Hospital made groundbreaking advancements by performing the first laser surgery in the world and also by offering same-day surgeries. It is currently a leading hospital for cardiac and stroke care and offers a variety of health-care needs including 24-hour emergency and trauma services, inpatient psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation programs, cancer treatment and maternal care. Melrose-Wakefield's partnership with Hallmark Health Associates, a bond that was formed in the late 1990s, provides a network of outpatient services in the surrounding communities.