** About Us **
At Rice Memorial Hospital, caring for people is our specialty. As a referral center we are dedicated to providing quality, cost effective care to those in need. Our team of professionals knows that the technical care, such as medication, tests and therapy, is only the beginning. They understand that addressing the emotional needs and the dignity of our patients and their loved ones is just as important as technical expertise to the total health care experience.
** Mission **
To restore and promote the health and well-being of residents and communities of West Central Minnesota.
** Vision **
Rice provides excellent quality care delivered safely, efficiently and with compassion.
** Values **
* Respect
* Integrity
* Compassion
* Excellence
History Of Rice Memorial Hospital
** Rice Hospital, Over 60 Years of Patient Care **
Rice Memorial Hospital was built with a trust from Colonel Cushman Rice in memory of his parents, Lieutenant Governor and Mrs. Albert Rice. Built in 1937, Rice Hospital has matured into a large multi-specialty regional referral center. The original 35 bed hospital was expanded to 60 beds in 1943, 102 beds in 1957, and then 159 beds in 1973.
In 1980 outpatient services began to increase dramatically and an outpatient wing was constructed. Later, the number of beds was decreased to 136 to accommodate demand for additional outpatient services. Rice is the largest city-owned hospital in Minnesota and is the only acute-care hospital in Willmar.
As technology and services have expanded, Rice has continued to make those services accessible and affordable to other hospitals and clinics in its 14 county service area. For instance, Rice provides hospice services in several rural locations; laboratory outreach to more than 30 hospitals and clinics; mobile ultrasound and nuclear medicine services; and continues to expand its outreach services in all directions.
Rice worked with area physicians to build an ambulatory surgery facility, Willmar Surgery Center. Its medical equipment business has expanded into four locations within the Rice service area - Willmar, Glenwood, Madison and Redwood Falls.
Rice employs two psychiatrists who provide inpatient and outpatient services as well as outreach services to area hospitals and clinics.
In 1986, members of the Rice board and the community worked together to charter the Rice Health Foundation whose mission it is to provide expanded health care options to the hospital and the communities it serves.
The Rice Memorial Hospital service area encompasses 14 counties in west central Minnesota and provides health care to over 220,000 patients. It has remained on the forefront of health care delivery in west central Minnesota by continually adding new technology and providing its staff with the education and training to help them in their careers.
In addition, Rice sponsors various health care degree programs in conjunction with the Rural Health School at the University of Minnesota - Duluth; the Rural Physician Associate Program at the University of Minnesota; and Ridgewater Community College. Excellent working conditions and quality of life can be attested to by the fact that there are no significant staffing shortages at Rice.
Today, Rice employs approximately 900 people. Rice has 56 departments and there are more than 190 active and affiliate members on the RMH medical staff, representing 32 medical specialties. Owned by the city of Willmar, the hospital is governed by a seven member hospital board appointed by the mayor. It is accredited by the Joint Commission of Accreditation for Hospitals and is a member of the American Hospital Association, Minnesota Hospital Association, Medisota, and VHA.
In fall of 2001, Rice embarked in the newest, exciting phase in our history. The $51 million redevelopment of our hospital campus will move Rice and the way we care for patients, into a whole new era. We have worked with designers and planners to build a new health care facility which, not only enhances patient care today, but anticipates the health care needs of tomorrow. Plans for The New Rice, take advantage of our 65 years of health care experience. The New Rice is an entirely new way of delivering health care but keeps our focus the same -- providing the best care possible for every one of our patients.
