History

Exterior view of hospitalValley County Health System has been providing compassionate and convenient healthcare to Central Nebraskans for more than 45 years.

In the early 1960s, residents of Valley County voted to establish Valley County Hospital, replacing a facility located on South 16th Street in Ord that was considered in poor repair by the Nebraska State Health Department. The Valley County Hospital was dedicated at its present location on August 2, 1964. Patients were transferred from the old facility on September 24, 1964.

The new hospital facility opened with 31 acute care beds, two labor beds, two recovery beds, three intensive care beds and 20 long-term care beds. In 1975, a new addition to Valley County Hospital added 45 long term care beds. In 1991, another addition added space for the Long Term Care, Rehabilitation Services, Business and Central Supply Departments.

In 2001, Valley County Hospital became a Critical Access Hospital. This program was adopted by Nebraska in 1997. It allows for a different method of Medicare payment to small rural hospitals. In addition, it provides Valley County Hospital more flexibility so we may operate more efficiently and better meet the needs of our patients.

In 2005, Valley County Hospital changed its name to Valley County Health System—a name more reflective of the wide variety of services provided throughout the facility. Today, the Health System employs more than 275 full-time and part-time employees.

In 2008, Valley County voters approved a $21.265 million bond issue to build a new hospital facility.  The new 68,000 square foot hospital opened on October 3, 2010.  The new facility features 16 acute care beds, two operating rooms, 12 medical clinic exam rooms, 6 specialty clinic exam rooms, an aqua therapy pool in the Rehabilitation Department , state-of-the-art imaging department and chapel.

 

 

Employee Recognition

Gold Star Award

Sue Diehl


Sue did a fantastic presentation to the Board and Management Team regarding what the imaging department does and how each area works.  It was informative, educational and timely.  Sue was able to take complex diagnostic scans and explain them so that each person could understand and was engaged through the entire presentation.  The variety of diagnostic scans that are available at VCHS is remarkable.  Thank you for the wonderful presentation.

Congratulations!