History

1954 -- Planning committee met, spearheaded by chairman M. John Pintz.

1957 -- After a dedication and ground-breaking, the hospital opened with a staff of 29 people including a hospital administrator, a director of nursing, a chief engineer, 4 RNs, 4 LPNs, 8 aides, 4 cooks, 1 maid, 1 volunteer receptionist, 1 x-ray tech, 1 lab tech, 1 office manager, and 1 accounts receivable clerk.
The first year of operation of the hospital, the average daily census of acute patients was 14 and reached a high of 60 shortly after building the addition in 1972-73.

1965 -- Medicare and Medicaid programs were established. This completely changed Memorial Hospital accounting and business office operations and brought on the submission of an annual Medicare and Medicaid cost report.

1972 -- A major renovation and expansion of the hospital occurred with the increase of beds from 40 to 82.

1973 -- Harold W. Brown became administrator of the hospital on April 1.

1975 -- First Joint Commission Accreditation.

1978 -- The opening of the Home Health Care Agency.

1978 -- Harold W. Brown was chosen as “Wisconsin Hospital Administrator of the Year”.

1980 -- Prairie du Chien Hospice program started.

1982 -- The hospital celebrated its 25th year anniversary with a gala celebration including a “Las Vegas Night” of fun and gambling.

1983 -- During this year, the major diversification in services was the starting of Swing Beds (Skilled Nursing) as a demonstration project.
Hospital started in-house stress testing and nuclear medicine, and expanded home health to Iowa and Grant County, Wisconsin.
The first computer software and hardware was purchased.

1985 -- Hospital gave a portion of its land to the Memorial Hospital Housing Association, obtained a Farmer’s Home Administration 50 year loan for $675,000 at 1%, and built LaBatisse on Dousman elderly apartment congregate housing.
The beginning of a State Rate Review Commission. This state bureaucracy controlled charges, expenses, staffing, and capital.

1986 -- The start of diversification into senior citizen meals. The hospital had previously contracted and provided meals to the Crawford County prison. Initially, the hospital contracted with the County for congregate meals that were served weekdays in the hospital employee dining room. This was followed a year later by contracting with the County for home meals (meals on wheels) and later by bulk meals to the northern part of the County.
In conjunction with Gundersen Lutheran Hospital, a satellite hemodialysis unit was started at the Hospital.

1987 -- Hospital purchased the St. Gabriel’s convent, converted it to an assisted living facility, and licensed it as a Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF) with a capacity for 15.

1988 -- Harold W. Brown received the Harold Macomber Coon, M.D. Memorial Award.
Differentiated Case Management of patients was started at the hospital. This was one of the first rural hospitals to implement this program.
The hospital developed a “Feeling Good” wellness program for employees with plans to expand it to the community.

1990 -- Hospital was awarded “Accreditation with Distinction” which, at that time, was given to the top 5% of all hospitals accredited.
In cooperation with the State of Wisconsin Children’s Trust Fund, University of Wisconsin Extension, and Prairie Education Resource, the Family Resource Center was started.
Significant additions to the facility was added: the outpatient wing, educational room, dietary storage, and office area.

1991 -- The hospital started the selling of durable medical equipment along with providing home oxygen to patients in their homes. This was a continuation of the long range plan to provide services in the home.

1992 -- Expanded the Community Based Residential Facility to 30 beds with each room having a minimum of a lavatory and sink and added three two-room suites with half baths. At the same time, part of the old section was remodeled and a child day care known as WEE Care Child Care was started.
The hospital received from the State of Wisconsin, the Lieutenant Governor Scott McCallum’s Child Care Recognition Award for outstanding achievements and excellence in employee-supported child care.

1994 -- The hospital, in recognition of its diversification and specifically recognizing the Family Resource Center, received the Wisconsin Hospital Association Global Vision Award.

1997 -- Harold W. Brown received the first National Rural Health Association “Volunteer of the Year” for service to the Association.
In May, the hospital started URGENT CARE (walk in).
The hospital became a rural training site for Southwest Wisconsin Area Health Education Center (AHEC).

2003 -- Hospital designated as a Critical Access Hospital (CAH).

2004 -- The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) recognized Harold W. Brown, for his dedication and commitment to rural health care by presenting him with the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award.