|
|
 |
 1945 - The Alabama Legislature passed Act# 211 to allow creation of Public Hospital Authorities in any county of the state. Joint efforts of a newly established hospital board along with city and county officials began to work on a hospital for Athens-Limestone County.1950's 1951 - Over 3,000 people attended the groundbreaking ceremony on May 25, 1951. Athens-Limestone Hospital opened its doors on May 28, 1951. ALH was the second hospital to be completed in Alabama with Hill-Burton funds. This new facility housed 50 beds and the Limestone County Health Department occupied the south wing. Room rates were $6 to $10.1960's 1964 - An expansion of the facility provided a new 28 bed addition to include a new surgical suite.1967 - Individual heating and air-conditioning units were installed in each room of the hospital at a cost of $30,000 and was financed by the hospital tax fund.1970's 1972 - The hospital was awarded $50,000 from the Pete and Mable Biles estate for a new pediatric unit in the south wing.1974 - Limestone County was struck by deadly tornadoes that killed 22 people and injured many other. Staff were busy for many weeks dealing with this tragedy.1979 - The emergency medical center was dedicated to Dr. Julius Orville Belue who was an integral part of the healthcare community for more than 60 years.1980's 1981 - First in North Alabama to offer a birthing room; Straightening of Town Creek allowed 62 extra parking places; Let's Pretend Hospital was developed.1984 - Hospital reincorporated to "The Health Care Authority of Athens and Limestone County."1988 - CT Scanner installed in Radiology1989 - Dr. John S. Crutcher, II. Surgical unit opened with an additional 25 private rooms.1990's 1991 - Hospital celebrated 40th Anniversary. New Emergency Department opened in honor of Dr. J.O. Belue. Board approved a $500,000 computer system. 10 beds were purchased from D.E. Jackson Hospital.Breathing Related Sleep Disorders Laboratory opens. 1994 - Home Health Services were made available as a service of Athens-Limestone Hospital.Elkmont Healthcare Center Opens.Ardmore Healthcare Center Opens.1995 - East Wing major expansion opens, providing private rooms for all inpatients.1996 - Implement patient response center.1998 - Outpatient Diagnostic Center, off campus lab and x-ray opened in the Athens Professional Plaza.1999 - The 30,000 square foot, state of the art Wellness Center opened at 209 Fitness Way.The first of its kind in the State of Alabama Senior Health Center opened at 203 Sanders Street to serve seniors 65+. Physician monitored Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center opens on Sanders Street. Fitness Park Developed with 2/3 mile walking track, Fitness Stations, Picnic pavilions to be made available to the public. 2000 Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation is created to cultivate relationships in the community. The Medicaid Funded Best Start Program is implemented to provide extended mother/baby services in the area. 2001 Hospital hosts a series of 5Oth Anniversary Celebrations. ALH acquired several properties during the year to provide sites for future use between Washington and Market Streets. An Information Management "Point of Care" charting system was purchased ($375,000) that links the current hospital information system with the nurse at the patient's bedside. Anesthesia monitoring equipment was installed at a cost of $400,000. The equipment included 19 monitors. Two ambulances were purchased at $75,000 per ambulance. The Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations surveyed in December of 2001. The hospital received an overall score of 96 and the home health agency received a score of 99. Learn More About Our Community |
|||||||||
| 700 West Market Street, P.O. Box 999, Athens, Alabama, 35611, (256) 233-9292 | ||||||||||
| ©2010 FastHealth Corporation | FastCommand Emergency Site | |||||||||
