Monroe County Hospital History

Through the years we have helped generation after generation reach better health. Our organization has been striving to serve the needs of our region since we were established. We here at Monroe County Hospital are loyal to our community and will continue to strive for excellence in healthcare. 

Serving The Needs of Forsyth and the Surrounding Area

Through the sacrifices of many, we have managed to make quality healthcare a reality for the citizens and residents of Forsyth and Monroe County. Being part of the community has been an important goal throughout the years, and with your help and loyalty we can continue to provide health services that you can depend on. 
 

A Brief History

On October 5, 1954 the Hospital Authority of Monroe County was created and its first members were Hugh Sosebee, Tom Scott, Jr., Hill Searcy, Harry Willingham and Dr. Hodges. In March 1955 the Authority and the County Commission purchased land and in June contracted with J. L. Hoffman to draw up architectural plans. Construction was started in late 1956 for a 25-bed hospital with financial assistance from the Hill-Burton Act. 

On April 18, 1957 William C. Baxter was hired as the first Administrator to begin work on June 15, 1957. Lucy Zellner was hired as Secretary, and in July, Dr. George Alexander, Dr. Walter Bramblett, and Dr. Lumpkin Coffee were appointed to the Medical Staff. 

Reverend J. H. Clarke was the first patient. Dedication ceremonies were on September 15. 1957. The Administrator's starting salary was $375.00 per month and maximum salary for the registered nurses was $270.00 monthly for a 44-hour week. The delivery fee was $50.00. 

In early 1969, the Authority began to realize the expanding medical needs of the community, and in 1971, the Authority started long-range planning for its hospital facilities. Since the 1957 building was deemed non-conforming by the State and did not meet then-current Life Safety codes, the Authority decided to build a new hospital. Bonds were sold and a new hospital was built at a cost of approximately $1,700,000. It was occupied on December 1, 1976 and is the building currently in use today.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Monroe County Hospital is to provide compassionate community healthcare that meets the public's expectations. Our mission, as well as our vision and values, serves as a guideline for daily decision making and represents the principles and practices that we constantly apply. The comfort and care of our patients is a major focus of ours. We want to provide quality and cost effective care that is close to home. 

Another part of this mission is to provide education and to increase your health awareness. More healthcare information is now available from this website, which also provides patient education resources for you, your family, and friends to explore.

Our Vision

We are committed to growth, not for growth's sake, but to provide appropriate and excellent healthcare for this community as it changes, grows, and prospers. Our desire is to be right-sized for our citizenry, to always be responsive to the community's needs, and to work closely with area agencies and organizations to develop services that reach as many people as possible.

Core Values

We are deeply committed to practice a certain set of Core Values in everything we do. These values guide our daily life and define, in a simple way, the basic way we look at our ministry to the public and to each other. 

The Value of Caring - this is the thread that runs through our hearts. It is the guiding driver of living that we come to work to do. Caring is a part of us, and this action is practiced not just with patients, but with families, visitors, and each other. 

The Value of The Person - this simply means that we treat everyone as equals, and that we do not discriminate or judge, no matter how difficult or trying situations can get. We cannot afford to be prejudiced and biased and still maintain the public's trust. 

The Value of Quality - this value states that we will do the very best we can. It is the principle this country was founded on, is the underlying meaning of the American work ethic, and it's just the right thing to do. 

The Value of Integrity - this value means that we will always do what we say we are going to do. It means conducting business with the utmost honesty. In addition, it means that we will follow the rules, procedures, laws and regulations that we create and that others impose on our industry.