Hospitals

Hospitals in Geneva, Nebraska

1^st Hospital

In 1902, Drs. Bixby and Woods adopted the name “Geneva Sanitarium” for their new hospital at 1023 H Street. (This house must have been built before 1892 as it was shown on the Sanborn map in 1892.) This hospital was described as “north of the Jayne Hotel” or “a block north of the Jameson Hotel.” In 1902, Miss Edgar, a graduate nurse, arrived from Presbyterian hospital at Omaha to take charge of the new hospital of Drs. Woods and Bixby. It was to open in the Bruner residence. In 1903, Miss Nellie Davis was the nurse in charge, followed by Miss Addie Lasby.

Drs. Bixby and Woods were unable to renew their lease on the old Bruner house (in the vicinity of the Dempster residence at 1035 H). They closed it until the new building at 143 South 12th was completed.

2nd Hospital

The second hospital was built in 1903 at 143 So. 12^th Street. It was built by Dr. Royal Woods and Dr. Joseph Bixby. They moved there in 1904. It was known as the Archer House. In 1904-05, the nurse in charge was Miss Venell.

Dr. Woods and family occupied the lower floor and the upper floor was used for the sanitarium. It became inadequate and was soon closed. (More information at 143 So. 12^th Street.)

3rd Hospital

The third hospital was built in 1890 at 324 No. 12^th Street. It was built by George W. Smith, a local banker, and used as his residence. In 1925, it was bought by Anna Eggenberger, who was a registered nurse. It was used as a hospital from 1926 until September 1, 1942. It was the first state recognized hospital in the county and was named Fillmore Hospital. (More information at 324 No. 12^th Street.)

4th Hospital

The fourth hospital was built on the Taylor Block by jockey Charlie Thorpe in 1901 and used as his residence. In 1917, F. P. Picard owned the residence. In 1929, the house was owned by George Rickets who used it as a rooming house. In 1930, the home was owned by Dr. Smrha of Milligan. In 1933, it was owned by Mr. and Mrs. William Armstrong. In 1937, the Armstrongs converted it to a hospital, Geneva General, with superintendent, Delma Garrels Armstrong. It closed in 1940.

On September 1, 1942, Mrs. Mabel Schlecty, a registered nurse, re-opened Geneva General Hospital. It was in business until August 1946.

The Geneva Community Club started a fund drive for the hospital effort. In October 1946, the Geneva General Hospital was purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe Schlecty. Mrs. Berta Leeds was the new superintendent, succeeded by Mrs. Joe Bender in 1947. The Benders operated the hospital until they held a sale of hospital supplies in 1957. The hospital was closed by the State Fire Marshal. (More information at Highway 81 and G Street)

5^th Hospital

Several bond issues—1948, 1950, and 1954—were voted down. In 1958, after receiving a large donation from Dick Stephenson, a special election was held and the vote carried. The building housing the Geneva General Hospital was auctioned off and torn down.

Ground was broken on July 18, 1959 for the new Fillmore County Hospital. The hospital was dedicated on Feb. 5, 1961. The first administrator was Paul Albright and director of nursing was Helen Doolittle. (More information at 1325 H Street.)

Improvements and additions over the years:

• A middle wing in 1965.

• Ambulance service in 1967.

• A long-term care wing in 1971.

• The physical therapy unit in 1973.

• The Quiet Room and CAMED Room in 1980.

• The first out-patient area and basement fitness center in 1985.

• A mobile Medical Clinic in 1986.

• Remodeling and redecorating of the labor room suite in 1986.

• The nurses’ station renovation, medication room, and office in 1991.

• The full-service immunization clinic in 1997.

• A clinic and wellness center in 1999.

• A new surgical suite, recovery room, and obstetrical area in 2005.

6^th Hospital

In Aug. 2010, a bond issue passed to build a new hospital. In Oct. 2010, the Fillmore County Hospital was selected to receive a $12.6 million low interest loan through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act. Groundbreaking for the new hospital on the north side of F Street between 18^th Street and Highway 81—1900 F Street. The hospital opened in March 2012.

In Aug. 2015, the hospital opened a $5.4 million, 13,200 square foot behavioral health facility. It housed a 10-bed inpatient behavioral health unit that was specifically designed for adults aged 55 and over.

This was ongoing as of the last posting.