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History of NCMH
Community pride. Self-reliance. Commitment to purpose.
The history of the hospitals in Newberry County is a testimony to these enduring qualities.
From its earliest days the county was blessed with many dedicated doctors, but a community hospital was only a dream until 1925.
Acting in their strong tradition of self-reliance, the citizens of the county decided to work together to make that dream a reality. A community meeting was held December 11, 1923, and the Newberry County Hospital Association was formed to direct the funding and building of this much needed facility.
Local citizens bought stock to finance the hospital. School children collected pennies and nickels. The people even gave a "linen shower" for their hospital.
It was a moment of great community pride when Newberry County Hospital formally opened its doors on December 22, 1925.
In 1937 the African-American community demonstrated these same qualities of community pride, self-reliance and commitment to purpose in establishing the People's Hospital. The People's Hospital, as it was called, was under the direction of J.E. Grant, Sr., M.D. The African-American community organized service clubs throughout the county to supplement the hospital financially. A vegetable garden and poultry operation also offered additional support. In January 1952, the People's Hospital merged with Newberry County Memorial Hospital.
The current hospital on Kinard St. was dedicated in May 9, 1976. On December 14, 1999 the hospital held a groundbreaking ceremony for a $13.425 million renovation and expansion project. This project, which was completed in 2002, completely changed the first floor, making it a patient-friendly outpatient services mall. A rededication ceremony was held September 5 of 2002.
Since that major renovation, the hospital has not slowed down. A satellite office was opened in Little Mountain in 2003. The birthing unit New Beginnings was expanded and completely renovated in 2004.
In 2006 another major renovation and expansion began. Like the first expansion, this building project was supported by the Penny Sales Infrastructure Tax, which Newberry County citizens approved. The hospital added a new and much larger laboratory area, surgical dressing rooms, pediatric rooms, an obstetrical OR in New Beginnings, an expanded chemotherapy area and other minor renovations. These expansions and improvements were completed and celebrated on June 26, 2007.
That same year, the hospital and Atrium Development Corporation began a medical office building project in the front of the hospital. Completed in 2008, the Atrium Center includes a new and expanded Wellness and Rehabilitation Center, a 1.5 teslar MRI, and five physicians' offices.
Another significant advancement in local healthcare during this time was the advent of local oncology care. At the hospital we have an Oncology and Infusion Center under the supervision of oncologist Dr. Rosemary Lambert-Falls. This center provides outpatient chemotherapy and infusion treatments at NCMH.
To complete the availability of local oncology care, Newberry Oncology Associates opened in 2008, holding an Open House in March 2008. The hospital is a partner in this service. Under the direction of Dr. Mark Ezekiel, this modern center offers advanced radiation therapy for local oncology patients.
Over the years-through expansions, mergers and hard times-the community has demonstrated its strong support for exceptional healthcare. With the hospital "linen shower," with the investment of school children's pennies and taxpayers' dollars, and even with vegetable gardens, the people of Newberry County have been personally involved in providing exceptional healthcare to their neighbors, families and newcomers.
"Exceptional services with a personal touch...close to home" is more than just a slogan at Newberry County Memorial Hospital. It's a way of life.
Hospital Highlights
December 22, 1925 — Newberry County Hospital on Hunt St. dedicated. Capacity: 25 beds.
1937 — People's Hospital founded by J. E. Grant, Sr., M.D. Capacity: 25 beds.
May 30, 1950 — Hospital renamed Newberry County Memorial Hospital (NCMH) in honor of the men and women who served in WW II.
January 1952 — People's Hospital merged with NCMH.
1963 — North Wing added. Capacity: 72 beds.
May 9 1976 — Kinard St. facility dedicated. Capacity: 102 licensed beds.
December 13, 1999 — Groundbreaking Ceremony for $13.425 million renovation and construction project.
September 5, 2002 — Rededication Celebration.
May 1, 2003 — Third Floor renovations complete.
July 7, 2003 — J.Kess Derrick Community Health Clinic opened its doors in Little Mountain.
August 19, 2004 — New Beginnings project complete! Community Open House and Celebration held.
June 26, 2007 — Second Penny Sales Tax Initiative completed and celebrated.
March 2008 — Full oncology services available locally with opening of Newberry Oncology Associates. Chemotherapy and Infusion services located at NCMH.
July 31, 2008 — Open House held for Newberry Atrium Professional Center and dedication of Jake and Mildred Fulmer Surgery Center.
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