You Won't Believe the Shocking Secrets Uncovered in St. George Hospital's 100-Year Medical History!

Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital recently unveiled a series of new permanent displays that celebrate the rich medical history of Washington County. The unveiling, held on Thursday, was attended by community leaders and several former presidents of the hospital, emphasizing the importance of this event in honoring the legacy of healthcare in the region.

The exhibits feature a variety of historic artifacts, including vintage medical instruments, physician keepsakes, and preserved items from those who have significantly contributed to healthcare in the area over the last century. Located on the hospital's main floor, these displays offer a tangible connection to the evolution of medical care in the region, tracing its roots back to the establishment of Washington County Hospital in 1913.

Natalie Ashby, the current president of Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital, expressed her gratitude during the unveiling. "I stand on the shoulders of giants. I am so thankful for what they did,” Ashby remarked, referring to her predecessors Mitch Cloward, Terri Kane, and Steve Wilson. Each of these individuals played a pivotal role in shaping the hospital into what it is today, and their collective experiences provide valuable insights into the challenges faced throughout their tenures.

The displays include notable items such as a vintage wheelchair, a preserved nursing uniform, surgical tools, and various notes featuring historical quotes and lessons. The effort to return these historical artifacts to the hospital was a community-driven initiative that required significant time and persistence. Some items were even fortuitously rediscovered in local homes, where they had been gathering dust for years.

One of the key figures in this effort was Terri Draper, a longtime caregiver at Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital. After retiring in January, Draper took it upon herself to collect memorabilia and historical items related to the hospital’s past. Working alongside her former colleagues, she successfully ensured that these artifacts were permanently preserved and displayed for public viewing.

The hospital’s history is intertwined with the development of healthcare in the surrounding area, which has seen numerous iterations since its inception in 1913. By 1975, the hospital had become part of a system of 15 facilities operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Subsequently, the Church donated all hospitals in Utah, transferring operations to the newly formed Intermountain Healthcare system.

Reflecting on the hospital's history, Steve Wilson, a former president at Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital, commented, “As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to fully appreciate how difficult it was for those first pioneer families to make a settlement in this desert community.” His words serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by early settlers and healthcare pioneers, who worked tirelessly to establish medical services in a region that lacked basic amenities.

Today, the Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital stands on a sprawling campus located on River Road, a testament to over a century of medical advancement and community commitment. In addition to the new historical displays, plaques honoring each version of the hospital were created several years ago, further enriching the historical narrative that visitors can now explore.

The newly unveiled displays not only honor the past but also serve as an important educational resource for the community. They embody the spirit of healthcare evolution and underscore the significant contributions of individuals and families who have shaped the medical landscape of Washington County. As visitors engage with these artifacts, they are invited to reflect on the historical context of healthcare in their community and appreciate the legacy that continues to influence the present and future of medical care.