1990s
In 1990, new air conditioning units were installed in East Wing, the LifeStar helicopter began landing, CT Scan equipment was installed, and “Where Caring Counts” was the hospital theme.
In 1991, Bronchoscope and Laparoscope surgery equipment were purchased. The Clay County Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees voted unanimously to be the fund raising organization for the 1991-92 Hospital construction projects. The proposed projects included a Physicians’ Clinic, Surgeon’s Clinic and Radiology expansion for the Clay County Hospital which was estimated at $1 million. The Foundation Board of Trustees accepted the challenge to raise $300,000 in cash and pledges. The Hospital Clinic Fund Drive Began in December 1991.
In 1992, the blood pathogen standard was implemented to protect healthcare workers from blood borne diseases requiring them to wear gowns, masks, gloves, lab coats, and/or goggles according to the policies. The Clay County Hospital was a licensed 49-bed acute care hospital and the trend was to treat a large percentage of patients in acute care areas as outpatients. Patients could be admitted and dismissed at all hours of the day or evening. On March 12, 1992, the Commons area at Clay Center Community High School was packed last as 300 residents gathered for a ham & bean supper celebrating the completion of the Clay County Hospital’s fund drive for the proposed doctor’s clinic. Pledges of over $370,000 were received.
In 1993, Renovation of the Education Center, a second radiology room, and the new Physicians Clinic were completed. The Physician’s Clinic consisted of a 12,0000 square foot addition to house up to eight physicians. The new facility basement totaled 5650 square feet. On October 10, 1993, the dedication of the Medical Clinic of the Clay County Hospital took place. A new, in-house CT Scanner was added in 1995. In 1998 - four significant additions were made to the facility: a Wellness/Fitness Center, an Outpatient Clinic, a Nurses Center and expansion of the kitchen storage area. In June of 1999, Ron Bender became CEO of the Clay County Medical Center.