Meeker County Memorial Hospital
612 Sibley Ave. S – (320) 693-3242
www.mcmh-litchfield.org

Meeker County Memorial Hospital (MCMH) located in Litchfield, has adapted to meet the ever-changing needs of the Meeker County area residents.

In 1910, the Litchfield Hospital, a privately operated institution provided hospital services to the community. In 1952, a new hospital building was constructed, and the Litchfield Hospital became the current county-owned, not-for-profit hospital known today as Meeker County Memorial Hospital. MCMH is not supported by county taxes, but it is considered county by name and is accountable to the Meeker County Board of commissioners. An eight-member Hospital Board consisting of two county commissioners, the chief of medical staff and five community representatives governs the hospital.

Today, as a general acute care hospital, MCMH offers emergency, inpatient and outpatient services.

Although located in the mid-sized community of Litchfield, MCMH offers many "big-city" features, so patients can receive the care they need close to home.

The hospital's services include around-the-clock emergency care, technologically advanced diagnostic tools, Direct Access Diagnostic Testing, obstetrical care, senior behavioral health care, rehabilitation services, surgery, cancer care, support groups and community education.

The emergency department at MCMH provides 24-hour emergency and trauma care. Through a coordinated effort between contract physicians and local medical staff, care is available at any time, day or night.

Diagnostic imaging has become an increasingly important tool that physicians use to detect and more accurately treat medical conditions. Among diagnostic services offered are CT scans, advanced and general X-ray services, mammography, ultrasound, bone density testing, direct access diagnostic imaging testing, and mobile services providing MRI, nuclear medicine and PET/CT imaging.

Radiology services at MCMH are now "filmless." Digital transmission of images to radiologists provides for timely interpretation of tests and a quicker diagnosis for the patient. Laboratory services are available to patients at MCMH seven days a week. In addition to the standard lab and diagnostic imaging tests, MCMH offers a new Direct Access Diagnostic Testing Service. This is a screening program through Laboratory Testing and Diagnostic Imaging to help identify risks associated with a variety of health conditions. Diagnostic Imaging Testing is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Laboratory Diagnostic Testing is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

In its obstetrical department, MCMH features four labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum rooms, complete with fetal monitors and delivery equipment.

Physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech pathology are all offered as part of rehabilitation services.

The hospital's Center for Senior Behavioral Health, a unit specializing in psychiatric care for adults age 55 and over, draws clients from throughout west central Minnesota.

Surgical care is provided by MCMH's team of board-certified general surgeons, specialists and surgery staff.

An oncologist and clinical nurses provide cancer treatment close to home, with chemotherapy offered on-site.

MCMH Specialty Services include: allergy; audiology; ear, nose and throat; colonoscopy and endoscopy services; lactation consultation; oncology; ophthalmology; orthopedics; podiatry; psychology; rheumatology; stress testing; and urology.

Specialty physicians and program specialists visit Litchfield once or twice per month to consult with patients or perform specialized surgical procedures and tests.

MCMH offers seven support groups and community programs to offer education and support to area residents. Other community offerings include classes on childbirth education, CPR, first aid, and breast-feeding education.

The MCMH medical staff consists of 14 board-certified physicians. Ten are active in family practice, one in internal medicine, two in general surgery, and one in obstetrics and gynecology. The Meeker Memorial Clinic opened the fall of 2006 in Dassel, adding another full-time, primary-care physician to the medical staff available to care for Meeker County area residents.

MCMH is looking to the future with an expansion/renovation project that started in 2007 including:

• New areas for admission, gift shop, chapel, emergency room, radiology, surgery, outpatient services, inpatient rooms and patient care areas are among some of the improvements.

• A state-of-the-art facility capable of serving the health care needs of the people of Meeker County well into the 21st century.