Cindy Lydick is the Director of Old South Pittsburg Hospital

Hi Cindy, Welcome to Global Entertainment Mag.

1. I understand that Old South Pittsburg Hospital was founded by four doctors and was operational from 1959-1998, was this a state hospital and did it close due to lack of funding?

Yes, this was a State run Hospital and covered a 30 mile radius. The Hospital closed due to a large corporation Hospital Corp. of America (HCA), this was one of the United States largest chains of Hospitals at the time. They built a Hospital called Grand View a subsidiary of Columbia Medical Centers one exit south of this Hospital. It basically put the Hospital in financial distress. There were a lot of malpractice suits, and limited staff. The Hospital financially couldn't recover, so the town shut the Hospital down for good in 1998. Prior to it's closing in 1996, they tried to accommodate an assisted living area within the Hospital, but it did not help the Hospital. In the area of the Morgue was the assisted living area. They transferred the actual Morgue equipment up to Grand view.

2. Do you know if all the former patient records from that period were transferred to the new hospital Grandview Medical Center in Marion County?

Yes they were, but upon contacting Grandview, I and a former patient were told they had been destroyed years ago.

3. In Canada our Ministry of Health requires our hospitals to keep patient records for 10 years is it the same ruling for the hospitals in the USA?

I had heard that in the US they have to hold records for at least 7. I could be wrong on this, I’m really not sure.

4. Have you ever found any archived books, journals or materials dating back to the 1778, or 1863 referencing the battle and the native tribe during that time period?

Yes it is from our local library. I will provide just some of the links for you.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsburg_Landing,_Tennessee
http://www.historicsouthpittsburgtn.org/index.html
http://www.historicsouthpittsburgtn.org/SPHistory1.html
http://www.tngenweb.org/cessions/colonial.html#aboriginal

5. Has any research team’s discover any x-ray films, or Kardex charts left behind on the beds, from former patients or ER reports, operative or discharge summaries in the offices located in the hospital?

I have found an old trash barrel full of old X-Rays. They don’t have any names on them or identifying information. There were a few random files on some financial records, and diagnosis’ that are kept private from the public. We do not list people’s names, because of the privacy and respect.

6. Have there been any clues or evidence to suggest signs of abuse took place in that hospital?

No, I wouldn’t say abuse as far as hurting someone physically in the sense of hitting them. I would say more neglect. The Hospital was very limited on staff, money and medication, and the general consensus from locals that had loved ones here, which they would be left in rooms for hours without a nurse checking on them. One local stated to me, that their relative had Riga mortise set in before anyone discovered she had passed. Back in the 70’s laws here were not as defined to medication limits. So if there was a patient that was unruly they may have been heavily sedated to control them, or restrained for long periods of time.

7. The doctors that founded Old South Pittsburg Hospital did they work out of that hospital or away from the hospital with their own private offices?

They all worked out of the Hospital; Dr. Havron, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Headrick, and Dr. Adcock.

8. Did any of the Nurses, Medical Transcriptionists, Ward Clerks, and HCA employees ever talk about their employers (the doctors that ran this hospital) in a bad way?

Yes, mostly Dr. Havron. From what I understand he was not a pleasant man to work for and had a foul mouth with patients as well as staff. The town is quite convinced that he murdered his wife while working here. The murder occurred in 1965, and shortly after her murder he married his affair. He was a womanizer. He contributed to the school system and town so most people believe it was swept under the rug.

9. Cindy have you ever had any paranormal experiences with this hospital?

Many of them. Too many to write down. I actually live in a refurbished apartment in the Hospital, and work here daily. Things happen constantly, while I am in the halls cleaning or getting ready for other teams to come in. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It has changed my life, and the way I look at things after we pass. These are just regular people with something to say, and seem to try and gain our attention. But I will say the Black Shadow people get me every time. lol

10. Have there been many Paranormal Investigation Teams, visiting this hospital?

Yes we have hundreds of people and teams visit throughout the year.

11. I’m curious when these Paranormal Investigation Teams complete their reports are they different from other teams or are they similar in what they experienced?

Some are a little different, but for the most part seem to have generally the same experiences and evidence.

12. When booking the Paranormal Investigation Teams into the hospital do they have to sign any waivers or consent forms to respect the property and follow safety rules set out by you?

Yes, we have a detailed liability and an appearance release because we have live web cams 24/7. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/osph-haunted-halls

13. Have there been any future plans to turn Old South Pittsburg Hospital into a Learning Facility for Medical Students such as Nursing, Doctors and or Paramedics?

No. The Hospital is a research facility for Paranormal Investigators, and Scientists to come in and explore the unknown. Test theories, etc.

14. Do you think the hospital is haunted by memories of the past dating back to the 1700 or 1800’s?

There has been no clear evidence suggesting that it is, but it is always possible. There is a rich history tied to the land here, so I would say it is something that we are exploring and researching every day. Sadly enough, the spirits don’t give us details on the time line they have passed through here.

15. How did you land the opportunity to become Director for Old South Pittsburg Hospital?

Well, I didn’t really “land” my job. I actually call it a labor of love. I was an investigator over 4 years ago. I found this location because it was a Hospital and I have a fascination with hospitals. I wanted to train my team in a large location that was unknown. I used to be a nurse in several over the years, so Hospital always interested me because of my experiences. Over a 2 year period, I visited here over 20 times. At least once a month, and always came away with some evidence that spirits existed here.

Then suddenly in 2009, the caretaker Jim, that lived here and took care of the Hospital from vandals, committed suicide. After our loss of him, I decided to open up the Hospital to other teams to come and investigate, to see if they could have the same evidence and unique experiences I had. So now the Hospital has become my life and business. I was living elsewhere at the time, and I knew there was a lot of unfinished work to do here. I got up a ton of volunteers to come in and clean out all the debris and junk and make it safe for visitors to come in, and investigate. It has been a long 2 year period with a lot of blood, sweat and tears. But it is my way of contributing back to the Paranormal Field I believe in.

Now I live here, and welcome teams in from all across the US to come and enjoy the Hospital as I do. I have the ability to give the spirits that remain a platform to speak to us, so we may understand why they remain, and what we can do to help them.

16. Are there any challenges with this job?

Yes, there are many. Mostly physical, lots of hallways to keep clean!! lol but being more serious, I think it is the non-believers. But I welcome skeptics. For not for them, It keeps us constantly working for answers.

17. Did you work at this hospital when it was operational in the past?

No I didn’t. I am originally from Maine.

18. What are your goals for Old South Pittsburg Hospital in the future say 3-5 years from now?

Try and gain some Government grants to help with the Research and aide teams and investigators in the science and exploration of the Unknown. I would like the Hospital to be known as a true research facility where people can come and do deep research.

19. Is one of these goals a possible movie based on the history of this hospital?

No I have never seek Media attention. I welcome it, but for me, it isn’t how the Hospital should represented. I really don’t like focusing and showcasing the patients that were here at one time. I would like them to keep their dignity. I really try to keep this science based.

20. I really dig the Old South Pittsburg Hospital’s main website the scenes look really scary and creepy. Some of the photographs look as if time stood still meaning that everything has been left in its place since the day they quietly closed their doors in 1998.

Thank you Tina, many of our Investigators that have visited see the beauty in the Hospital like I do. They send me their artistic photos so that I can show everyone how unique and interesting this Hospital is. Cindy it has been a pleasure to interview you on Global Entertainment Mag. We welcome you back anytime. Thank you Tina for the opportunity. It was an honor to be contacted by you! Please feel free to come and visit us here sometime! You would be my guest of honor. Thank you!

Cynthia Lydick - Director
Old South Pittsburg Hospital
423-591-0344

Official Website
www.hauntedhospital.net

LIVE 24/7 Web Cams
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/osph-haunted-halls