Walter Knox Hospital is the healthcare leader in Gem County providing access to primary care and emergency health care services, and health care services that meet community needs. Walter Knox provides a 24 bed acute inpatient, obstetric, emergency, urgent care services, as well as a “level A” laboratory, digital diagnostic imaging, surgical, and infusion services. Many specialty medical clinics are available. Walter Knox is home to the areas Regional WMD Medical Response Team. We have the ability to house 100 additional acute level patients by using this resource.

History

The Walter Knox tradition of caring began long before the opening of the hospital doors on September 29, 1963. After the closing of Mary Seccor Hospital, a strong public effort was launched to obtain Hill-Burton grant money and support for a bond issue to build a new hospital. Twenty acres of ground was obtained from the Knox family by donation and purchase. Hill-Burton funds provided $350,000 and a general obligation bond for Gem Country provided and additional $350,000 to construct the hospital.

The hospital originally constructed as a forty bed was reduced in the mid 1980’s to an operational twenty-four beds. A reduction in licensed capacity was instituted in the mid to late 1990’s. In 2001 the hospital was certified as a Critical Access Hospital and the licensed bed capacity was changed to fifteen to comply with the Critical Access Hospital regulations.

In 1997, the hospital board of directors commissioned an architectural firm to develop a master physical plant renovation plan. The plan accepted was a four-phase renovation plan, the first two phases included a new emergency department, birthing suites, same day surgery department, separate specialty clinic and complete renovation and remodel of patient rooms and nursing station. Phases one and two were completed in 1999 at a cost of two point six million, financed entirely through revenue operations and paid for at the time of completion.

In 1999 the hospital board of directors revisited the hospital’s mission statement and adopted one that met the current goals and philosophy of the hospital:

Today, the hospital provides individualized, quality health care services, which meet community expectations; Providing an environment that encourages development and excellence of caregivers; Serving as a fiscally responsible member and participant in the community.