Hospital celebrates 50 years
 |
Three longtime physicians who are a big
part of the hospital's history were on hand
for Friday's anniversary celebration.
From left: Dr. William Smith, Dr. Meredith Evans and Dr. George Day. |
Many local officials, present and former employees and friends of the hospital gathered on a cold afternoon to celebrate the hospital’s 50 years. As County Judge, Estep was seated as chairman of the original board in 1959. The only original board member living, Estep presented a brief history of the hospital.
The process began in July of 1952, when County Judge Kyle Kivett appointed a committee during a regular session of the Claiborne County Court to look at the feasibility of a hospital in the county. In April of 1956 a resolution was passed in favor of the construction of a 40-bed hospital. Fifty-two percent was to be paid by the federal government, 24 percent by the state, and 24 percent by the local government; the county’s share was not to exceed $175,000.
In the November 1958 term of the County Court, the original Hospital Board of Directors was appointed: Estep, Boyd Mason, G.B. Hodges, Neil Walker, Danny Drinnon, Will Fugate, Clarence Russell, Harry Miller, Sr., and Ruth Fulkerson. In January of 1959 the Court approved $80,000 in bonds to purchase equipment for the hospital.
“On July 19, 1959, we dedicated the hospital. United States Senator Estes Kefauver gave the dedication address,” said Estep, adding that the first administrator, Merrill Rayburn, was hired at an annual salary of $5,000.
“I’m honored and pleased that I was asked to do this today,” he said.
Current County Mayor Joe Tyler Duncan recognized past and current board members and spoke about the hospital’s growth over the years.
“I can remember when the only ambulance was a horse and wagon,” he said. “I’m proud of this hospital and I’m proud of how far we’ve come in our county.”
Duncan thanked everyone for supporting the hospital, especially the physicians who refer patients to the hospital.
Longtime hospital employee Brenda McPherson introduced three doctors who are very important in the hospital’s history: Dr. George Day, Dr. William Smith and Dr. Meredith Evans.
“It’s the people who make this hospital,” said Day, who delivered the hospital’s first set of twins.
Smith, who delivered the hospital’s first set of triplets, thanked the community for supporting the hospital.
Evans was the hospital’s first surgeon, practicing there from 1959 until 1985.
“I enjoyed practicing surgery here more than anywhere,” he said, adding, “The people were always very generous and very helpful.”
Tim Brown, current Administrator, talked about future plans for the hospital. Around the first of 2010 the organization plans to open an inpatient rehabilitation unit, he said, adding that they hope to continue working with LMU and its medical school.
“We are positioned well for the future,” he said. “We will hopefully fill a niche for the community.”
Director of Nursing, Kenny Trent, offered a prayer of dedication and the crowd dispersed to enjoy a reception.
Timeline
July 19, 1959 – Hospital Dedication of 40-bed facility
1966 – 20-bed East Wing Addition
December 1968 – Addition of 50-bed Nursing Home
1972 – 25-bed West Wing Addition
November 1972 – Claiborne EMS becomes operational
First run: Floyd Ball (still works for EMS)
First licensed paramedic: John “Sarge” Garland
1981 – New ER Constructed
March 14, 1994 – Home Health Opens
October 12, 1998 – Baker Cancer Center Opens
November 2, 1998 – Opening of 100-bed Nursing Home
December 2000 – Healthcare Foundation Established
March 2001 – New Surgical and Critical Care Wing Opens
May 2002 – Out-Patient Rehabilitation Center Opens in Tazewell
June 2004 – Out-Patient Rehabilitation Center Opens in Harrogate
April 2006 – Sleep Center Opens
April 2008 – Medical Office Building Opens