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William V. Tucker, Elkhart's first pioneer doctor came in 1913. In the
20's, Elkhart was a thriving metropolis of 3,900 citizens. Dr. Tucker's
practice grew until his small house, which he used as a clinic, was filled
to capacity. At this time, Dr. Tucker hired Dr. Hansen and began building
the Tucker-Hansen Hospital.
During the Depression the Dust Bowl blew in, and the people of the
Southwest flew out. In 1930, there were 4,900 residents living in Morton
County. By 1933, only 1,800 people remained. Dr. Tucker became concerned.
Patients became fewer and collections fewer still. Because of the severity
of the economy, the hospital was purchased by Morton County.
After almost 40 years of service to Elkhart and the surrounding community,
the old hospital building on Kansas Ave. became obsolete. Plans were made
for new facilities. On Sunday, September 15, 1957, a dedication program
and open house were set for the new hospital which had been constructed at
445 Hilltop.
Remodeling programs have taken place at the hospital from 1975 to 2000.
Beds have been added to the original fifteen-bed hospital along with some
of the most technologically advanced equipment imaginable for a hospital
of its size. Currently we have 40 Acute Care, 2 Labor, 4 ICU, 2 Same Day
Surgery and 10 Geropsychiatric
Beds.
We have doctors specializing in surgery, internal medicine, general
medicine, radiology and psychiatry combined with equipment and services,
including X-Ray, CAT Scan, Mammography, Ultrasound, Respiratory Care, Physical
Therapy, Laboratory and Geropsychiatric Unit.
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Morton County Health
System