GOLDEN VALLEY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL HISTORY
Clinton had two privately owned hospitals, General Hospital and Wetzel Hospital, that were each facing the possibility of closing because of new state and federal guidelines. Private funds and physician funds were not available for building a new hospital and purchasing modern equipment.
As a result, in 1966 a petition, spearheaded by Dr. Gus Wetzel, Sr., and Dr. R.S. Hollingsworth, was presented to the Henry County Court requesting that an election be held to determine if voters desired a Hospital District.
On May 24, 1966, the election to determine if a hospital district should be organized was approved by a vote of 791 to 480. On July 12, 1966, an election was held for the purpose of electing a Board of Directors. A six-member board was elected, each set up with varying terms from 1 to 6 years.
On October 26, 1966, a building bond issue for $1,600,000 was held. The issue required a 2/3 majority to pass, and it received 82%. Preliminary cost of construction of the hospital was $2,600,000. With the bond of $1,600,000, the remaining $1 million was to be obtained from a federal grant.
Elizabeth and Charles Gaines donated 20 acres upon which the hospital now sits. On December 1, 1969, official ground breaking ceremonies were conducted. Construction took longer than expected, and open house was not held until Jan. 20, 1972. Golden Valley Memorial Hospital opened its doors for patients on February 29, 1972.
Five additions have been added in the intervening years, and many services added. Home Health was added on February 24, 1984, followed by Home Care and Private Duty Nursing. Community Wellness programs were begun in 1990, and Fitness Centers in Clinton and Windsor were opened in 1999 and 2001.
April 1, 2004, the hospital purchased the Wetzel Clinic, Warsaw Family Clinic, and Family Care Clinic – Windsor. Future plans include the addition of other services, specialties and space for the continual growth of services and patient care.
The GVMH Medical Plaza was completed in November 2006. On December 11, the Wetzel Clinic began operations in the new Medical Plaza facility. With the move, the Wetzel Clinic name was changed to Golden Valley Medical-Clinton.
