Blog
75 Years of Caring for Murray County
A Commitment and Story that's still being Written
Every single person, family, business, and community has a story that's unique to them. In Murray County, ours is a story of neighbors caring for each other. It's one that began a long time ago, before our hospital doors officially opened.
Murray County's healthcare journey stretches back more than 160 years when Dr. Brown provided medical care to residents of the area at a time when medicine looked a lot different than it does currently.
As the county and healthcare technology grew, so did the need for quality healthcare here in Murray County. In 1915, Dr. H.C. Doms and Dr. L.A. Williams opened the Slayton Home Hospital which served the community and trained nurses. This helped build a strong foundation for the future of healthcare here in SW MN.
By the mid-1900's, community leaders recognized it may be time for something more. Plans for a county hospital were drawn up and approved in 1945. Construction was delayed until 1949 due to material shortages, rising costs, the polio epidemic, and challenges securing grant funding.
On February 1st, 1951, the first patient walked through the doors of the Murray County Memorial Hospital. From day one, the hospital stood here in Murray County and has served as a symbol of determination, resilience, and a shared belief that quality healthcare should be in one's community.
As time continued to move, Murray County Medical Center continued to grow alongside the community with numerous additions and changes. Respiratory therapy and portable x-ray were brought in during the early 1970's. A renovation that was completed in 1978 brought with it 35 new beds, a pharmacy, and a clinic. Swing bed care started in 1984 and the last baby born in labor and delivery was delivered in June 1993. In 2004, the Steve Cohrs Wellness Center opened which helped MCMC expand into overall wellness.
MCMC has continued to adapt to the ever-changing healthcare needs of the community and industry. In 2013, a $12.2 million expansion and renovation was completed. This project brought the facility to 70,000 square feet and helped enhance everything from patient rooms and radiology to the emergency department, clinic, dietary services, and the onsite ambulance bay.
Behind every single moment, there has been a dedicated team of nurses, providers, staff, and volunteers who have always led with compassion. A team that shows up every day no matter what. Every person that has worked at MCMC has been a part of making it what it is today.
Today, MCMC employs more than 130 full-time, part-time, and casual staff members.
Thank you, Murray County, and every individual who has been a part of our story, for 75 incredible years.
Murray County Medical Center: Providing Compassionate & Exceptional Healthcare since February 1st, 1951.
Posted by:
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Briana Solheim