Over the past four decades, Douglas County Hospital has had a tradition of growth in medical technology, health care services and programs to meet the increasing needs of the citizens in West Central Minnesota. A steady growth in physician specialists, combined with a continuous upgrading of facilities, have established Douglas County Hospital as a comprehensive 127- bed medical center. Today, the opportunities for specialized medical care suited to each individual's personal needs are greater than ever before.
The employees of Douglas County Hospital are dedicated to the delivery of quality care in a safe environment. Douglas County Hospital is accredited by Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP).
History Of Douglas County Hospital
Welcome
visit the history of healthcare in Douglas County throughout the centuries and into the future
* 1800
The Early Days...Medical care in Alexandria in the late 1800's was primally administered in the home.There were no hospitals in Douglas County.
* 1899
St Luke's Hospital opened on the corner of 9 th and Elm.It provided for six beds.After a fire in 1926, the building was remodeled and expanded to 22 beds.The Hospital continued to serve patients until 1955 when the present Douglas County Hospital was built.
* 1900
The village of Alexandria received a gift of property overlooking Lake Winona known as the Brown residence which was to be used as a hospital.This elegant mansion was located near the current marian Building overlooking Lake Winona.
* 1917
Mercy Hospital was located on the second floor of a house that still stands at 415 7th Avenue East.This was the former home of Charles Cowing of Cowing-Robards Fame. This hospital had ten beds,all on the second floor,and living quarters were on the first floor, with laundry and food prepared as in a home.
* 1927
The Brown residence was demolished and Dr.Edwin Tanquist built the new Tanquist Hospital on the brown's Residence property. This was also known as the Douglas County Hospital. The county placed their patients there for $1.63 per day for room,board and care as opposed to the University of Minnesota Hospital which cahrged $3.25 per day.This two-story facility still stands and is attached on the west side of the existing Marian Building.
* 1944
At the request of Dr.Tanquist, the Franciscan Sisters took over the operation of the tanquist and the name of the hospital was changed to Our Lady of Mercy.
* 1954
The Franciscan Sisters built a new 40-bed hospital attached to the Tanquist Hospital overlooking Lake Winona.This structure still stands and is known as the Marian Building since 1973.it is located at 700 Cedar Street.
* 1955
The citizen of Douglas County built a new 50-bed hospital,Douglas County Hospital.
By 1955,two hospitals existed in Alexandria.Our Lady of mercy(40 beds) and Douglas County Hospital (50beds). These Hospiatls operated independently of one another, even though both served the same population and offered essentially identical services.
* 1969
A joint hospital planning committee was formed to explore the possibility of merging Our Lady of Mercy and Douglas County Hospital.
The Hospital Merger.... The merger of the two hospitls became a reality on April 1,1969.
* 1973
The new 127-bed Douglas County Hospital was completed and attached to the existing building.Approximate cast of this project was 4.3 Million.
* 1981
Douglas County Hospital continues to grow in response to the needs of an expanding medical staff and increasing population. In march of 1981, Dougals County voters approved a $600,000 band issue for additional hospital beds and expansion of x-ray, surgery and outpatient fecilities. This Expansion Project increased the bed capacity to a total of 130 acute hospital beds.
* 1994
Douglas County Hospital built a new emergency service facility and main entrance to the hospital. These new facilities established Douglas County Hospital as a regional emergency/trauma center staffed with physicians 24 hours a day.The cost of this was approximately 2.5 million.
* 1998
A new state-of-the-art Radiation Oncology unit was constructed,offering Alexandria a much needed service.They began treating patients October1,1998.Douglas County Hospital partnered with Center Care systems/St.Cloud Hospital on this new service.
* 2003
A new Surgery Center with seven operating rooms,recovery rooms, outpatient procedures and outreach clinics was built on the southwest side of the hospital grounds.
* 2007
A 6,000 square foot Medical Oncology Unit opened on the main floor of Douglas County Hospital.
* 2010
Construction began August 22, 2009 for a 110,000 square foot addition to Douglas County Hospital that will house new private patient rooms, a state-of-the-art Women's and Children's Unit and a new Orthopedic clinic. In addition to patient care areas,a new entrance and expanded lobby will be included as a part of this project.
Future
As Douglas County Hospital meets the needs of the healthcare challenges of the future,we must remember the traditions and superb efforts of those in the past,as these tradition are the foundation of our future.
