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50th Anniversary Complete History of Bedford Memorial Hospital |
A History of Caring They were converted homes, but in the 1930s, that's where Bedford residents received medical care. While staffed well, the private hospitals were small and limited in equipment. Knowing that a larger, better-equipped hospital was needed, the idea arose to build a new one as a memorial to honor community members who served in World War II. Initially unsuccessful, it was not until 1948 that a second attempt at a memorial was linked with the area's need for a new hospital. The State Department of Health, however, determined the project impractical at that time. But the community never gave up and under the leadership of board members, residents and supporters, requests for funding from federal and state offices continued into the early 1950s. By this time, funding - including public money through citizen contribution - was finally gained. With excitement in the air on Feb. 20, 1955, the citizens of Bedford dedicated their new hospital. Nearly 2,000 people attended ceremonies on that balmy, spring-like day. Acknowledging more than five years of planning, giving and very hard work, and an outlay of nearly one million dollars, the local paper called the event the "greatest civic undertaking in modern times." The beautiful, 48-bed hometown hospital welcomed its first patient March 8, 1955. After less than two years of operation, it was approved by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals, becoming one of the first in the state of its type and size to be accredited. By April 1, 1957, the hospital celebrated the delivery of its 1,000th baby and later became known as "the best little hospital in Virginia." To meet growing demand for services and space, the hospital expanded in 1964 to accommodate private rooms and a long-term care unit, bringing the bed count to 78. Ever mindful of the high number of elderly in the community, the hospital began a $3.7 million addition in 1974 to accommodate another 100 beds in a long-term care wing. To further strengthen its healthcare position in the early 1980s, the hospital merged with the Roanoke Hospital Association and by 1987, a $3.3 million renovation and expansion project was completed, which modernized obstetrical/nursery departments, surgical suites, intensive care units and medical surgical units. In 1996, under a new branding strategy and guideline, the hospital was renamed Carilion Bedford Memorial Hospital (CBMH) to reflect its partnership with Carilion Health System in Roanoke. Just two years later, Carilion appropriated $12 million to the hospital over a five-year period to expand services and improve healthcare technology. The initiative resulted in quite a few improvements, including complete renovation of the hospital lobby, addition of a cardiology clinic, expansion of the Emergency Department and completion of a two-story, 32,000 sq.-ft Medical Office Building. The MOB now serves as the main entrance of the hospital and houses several specialized services, such as physical therapy, cardiac rehab, laboratory, and a wound care clinic. Continuing the hospital's connection with the community, Carilion and Centra Health (Lynchburg) signed a formal letter of agreement on July 9, 2001, to jointly own and operate Carilion Bedford Memorial Hospital. Reflective of this partnership, the name of the facility was changed to Bedford Memorial Hospital. Today, Bedford County is the fastest growing county west of Interstate 95. It continues to attract families from nearby larger cities as well as retirees from outside the region. As a major employer in the county, the hospital has provided jobs for county residents so they can work and live in this beautiful area. Now, as it was in mid-century, Bedford's community strength is surprising. What looks like a small town has a major "can-do" medical facility for everyone's future - Bedford Memorial Hospital. Copyright 2005 Bedford Memorial Hospital |
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