That is why we look more closely, go beyond the surface and see every dimension in everything we do; providing a level of care that defies the expected.
Shouldn’t your health care be just that – all about you? At DCMH, we care for every dimension of you. From the physical to the emotional, we go beyond what’s expected to provide the right care focused on what’s best for you.
The 20 bed hospital was constructed for approximately $200,000 or $17 per square foot. A staff of 20 full-time and part-time employees, under the direction of Jean Guenthner, Administrator, staffed the facility. In its first year of operation, there were 452 patients admitted and 56 babies born. Dr. Ronald Price and Dr. Mary Price were the first practicing physicians at the hospital. The hospital Guild was instrumental in organizing benefits and purchasing equipment for the new facility and they sponsored annual food drives for the hospital.
Since 1957, DCMH has tailored its facility to meet the health care needs of local residents. Medical technology has greatly advanced, necessitating the acquisition of new medical equipment and replacing out dated equipment.
Hospital acute care utilization gradually declined over the years, resulting in a reduction of the hospital bed count, which was done in several stages. The final stage in 1987 changed it from a 16 bed to a 9 bed facility. In 2000 it was increased and licensed as an 11 bed hospital.
It was in 1987 when Dr. Price retired after 40 years of service and Douglas County Commissioners voted to cease management of the hospital. The future of the facility was uncertain, but thanks to some dedicated citizens, in 1989, a new hospital corporation was formed, with local people serving on the Board of Directors. At that time, sharing an administrator with Scotland and joint purchasing of supplies was cost effective for DCMH.
It was also in 1989 when Dr. Luebke started her practice in Corsica. This proved to be a turning point for the hospital along with Vanessa Miller, joining the medical staff in 1991 and Dave Schwenk, PAC joining the medical staff in 1992. Dr. Cruz and Dr. Heidorn had covered the medical services for a time along with other locum tenens physicians.
Over the past several years we have seen many improvements in the facility and technology. The helicopter pad was added and many outreach services are being provided. In 1998 a new addition was added which houses the clinic, cardiac rehabilitation, physical therapy, laboratory, medical records, optometry services and a community education room. This has enabled us to more adequately service the health care needs of this community.
The Stickney clinic opened with a provider seeing patients two days a week. By expanding our coverage area, we are better able to provide patient care without them having to travel.
With the expansion of health services, the hospital opened a clinic location in Corsica. This provides residents and patients with close to home healthcare. The clinic started as part-time but soon grew to a full-time clinic at a new location. The PHC Corsica has many services including laboratory, pharmacy, procedures, etc.
The hospital created a new floor plan, which involved renovating the nurses’ station and hospital rooms and creating additional outpatient rooms for patient care. The renovation also included moving and enlarging the emergency room, inpatient pharmacy, and adding a family waiting room. With the improvements also came a new labor and delivery room and nursery. The ambulance bay is now attached to the hospital to allow indoor loading and unloading of patients.
After 38 years of service, Dr. Ramos retires from DCMH. With Dr. Ramos’ retirement, DCMH was no longer able to meet the requirements of a 24/7 on call surgeon for OB deliveries. Dr. Kynan Trail was then contracted to do general surgery as needed.
With the outbreak of covid 19, the hospital created an isolation area for patients in the hospital. After a few months, three more rooms were converted to positive air-exchange rooms, which helped the patients and the staff.
Douglas County Memorial Hospital continues to provide services that our communities need. DCMH is a critical access hospital, trauma-receiving hospital, ER, observation, acute, and swing/skilled admissions. DCMH also provides chemotherapy, outpatient infusions, surgeries, and various outreach services. DCMH continues to grow to serve the needs of our patients and the clinics provide care from newborn to elderly. The hospital continues to be independent and strives to provide the best healthcare in the area. We provide pharmacy services, community health services, and have an assisted living attached. The Board of Directors is an integral part of the facility along with just over 100 employees.
