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History
of Bear Lake Memorial Hospital
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 "Montpelier
Hospital" (1912-1945)
The first building designed and
constructed as a hospital in southeast Idaho was opened in 1912
by Dr. George F. Ashley on North 8th Street in Montpelier, Idaho.
It was known as the "Montpelier Hospital" and operated
12 beds in the two story structure. The hospital closed its doors
on December 15, 1945 and was remodeled into an apartment complex
known as the Mary K Apartments. The building is now known as
the Colonial Apartments, near Jensen's Market.
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"Bear Lake Hospital"
(1937-1949)
The second hospital in Bear Lake
was found above "The Fair Store" on Washington Street
in downtown Montpelier, Idaho. The "Bear Lake Hospital"
was a 12 bed facility that opened in February 1937 under the
management of Dr. R.B. Lindsay and Dr. Reed J. Rich. It operated
concurrently with the first hospital for 8 years and closed December
31, 1949. |
"Bear Lake Memorial Hospital"
(1950)
With a $200,000 county bond,
a federal government grant, and donations from businesses and
individuals, the community received a wonderful hospital at the
cost of approximately $291,000. The facility was dedicated as
a memorial to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice by giving
their lives during the World Wars. |
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First Medical
and Dental Staff of Bear Lake Memorial Hospital (1950)
Dr. L.P. Gaertner
Chief of Staff
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Dr. Reed J. Rich
Vice-Chief of Staff
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Dr. R. B. Lindsay
Secretary of Staff
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Dr. H. H. King
Medical Staff
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Dr. Spencer H. Rich
Medical Staff
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Dr. Russell Tigert Jr.
Medical Staff
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Dr. D. N. Meek
Dental Staff
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Dr. Wells C. Stock
Dental Staff
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Hospital Remodel Plans
In the late 1990's, it became
apparent that the hospital needed major upgrades in order to
accommodate new technology and expanded roles in orthopedic surgery
and maternity. The money was raised and the valley now has a
state of the art hospital that provides the best in medical services
remodeling the surgical rooms and patient rooms. |
2006 Skilled Nursing Facility
Upgrade
The new wing featured vaulted
ceilings, skylights, large resident rooms and a state-of-the-art
bathing facility. The wing housed up to 15 residents and includes
5 private and 5 semi-private rooms, each room having its own
half-bath. The bathing facility, funded partially through a generous
grant from the Beckman foundation, included a tub that will allow
residents to roll in on a bathing seat instead of being lifted
over the side. This provided peace of mind for many residents.
Approximately half of the cost of the wing was paid for with
donations from the people of the Bear Lake Valley and nearby
communities. |
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