Elmore Medical Center celebrates 50 years

Scrapbooks of memories from the hospital's first 50 years were a hit among those attending.

Fifty years after its original dedication, Elmore Medical Center celebrated the completion of its most recent renovation projects in the Long Term Care Unit. With the assistance of an Idaho Community Development Block Grant, resident rooms were remodeled and bathroom facilities were updated. Shower facilities were improved to allow better handicapped accessibility, new flooring was installed and the roof was rebuilt. A new nurse calling system was installed to replace antiquated equipment.

In addition to the block grant improvements, the unit also made improvements to the laundry facilities, installing new flooring and brand new commercial grade equipment. The beauty shop also was redecorated to provide a more pleasant environment for residents.

The completion of the projects came as the Medical Center prepared to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The effort to build a hospital in Elmore County took many years to accomplish, dating back to 1947, when the first bond election was not successful. Not giving up, a group of proponents continued to generate support until they were able to pass the bond issue in 1950.

When the hospital was finally opened, the total contract price for construction was $126,297 and the two-acre site the hospital was built on sold for $4,250.

Hospital administrator Greg Maurer said it was Feb. 6, 1955, when Elmore Memorial Hospital was first dedicated. The hospital had ten beds, one doctor and three nurses. Today Elmore Medical Center provides 25 acute care beds along with 55 beds in the Long Term Care Unit and employs more than 200 people.

At rededication ceremonies this past weekend, Dr. John Bideganeta, chairman of the Elmore Medical Center Board of Trustees, took guests on a brief trip to the past, paying special tribute to Dr. Malone Koelsch. Fifty-five years ago Dr. Koelsch was responsible for running the hospital almost by himself, said Bideganeta. He was a dedicated physician who worked from early morning until late at night. For those patients who could not travel to him, the doctor would make housecalls. "He was an outstanding physician," said Bideganeta.

Claude Bermensolo Sr. was on the hospital's first board of directors, and was one of those responsible for actually getting the hospital built. He recalled the county commissioners at that time directing them to get the hospital built. "None of us were knowledgeable about hospital business or about building a hospital," said Bermensolo. But fortunately, they had access to people who were knowledgable, and provided the guidance needed.

He laughed as he recalled how the early board of directors took advantage of government surplus sales to initially equip the new facility. He recalled being questioned, "what are you ever going to do with 500 bedpans?"

"We never knew back then that our small hospital would ever become so grand or so big as the facility we have today," said Bermensolo.

Claire Wetherell was one of the first nurses to serve at the newly constructed hospital back in 1955. But her efforts to bring a hospital to Elmore County began long before construction began.

She explained in those days the community did not have a doctor practicing in Mountain Home. She first met Dr. Koelsch in Boise and asked him to give Mountain Home a try. She promised that if he would be willing to locate in the community, she and other supporters would see that a hospital was built.

She recalled three hospital bond issues going before the people before the last finally passed with only 17 votes over the majority needed. Even after receiving voter approval, the community was in danger of losing its hospital, when the county commissioners were reluctant to actually sell the bonds in a timely manner. Finally it was a hint of suing for malfeasance that brought action.

Wetherell also helped start the Women's Hospital Auxiliary, and was a big force in establishing the nursing home as part of the hospital services.

State Senator Tim Corder noted that while the celebrations marked '50 years of caring for our communities' and the rededication of the hospital, it was in fact a celebration of community and history. "It was the gifts from the leaders of yesterday -- gifts of strength, of time, and of devotion that led us to the celebrations of today." He encouraged people to recommit themselves to the same goals today, to continue to bring quality health care to the community.

Today people have a tendency to think that thanks to modern technology, they can solve problems quicker and better, he said. But, Corder urged, "Remember the past so we can go into the future."

President of the Elmore Medical Center Foundation Board, Larry Ashcraft explained the Foundation was established in 2001 with a purpose to assist the hospital in meeting its goal through fundraising. In just a few years of existence, the foundation has been able to help purchase a van for the Long Term Care Unit, to help finance the new helipad, and to purchase equipment.

Now the Hospital Foundation is kicking off a campaign for an endowment. Founding members are encouraged to donate $1 for each year of the hospital's past. Individuals who become part of the 50th Anniversary Club during this year will be recognized on a plaque to be located in the Medical Center's main lobby.

Each of the speakers took part in the ceremonial ribbon cutting to mark the rededication celebration.