THE HENDERSONS AND THE HOSPITAL

In the book, “Did You Know” by Dorotha Gray Giannagelo, you can find a chapter titled, “We Need A Hospital.” For a period of over 60 years doctors and community members made numerous attempts to build hospitals in Pratt. Dr. T.A. Jones of Hutchinson built the first private hospital in 1920. The facility is located just north of the Pratt Presbyterian Church providing medical services until 1950, when it closed and became an apartment building.

In 1947, the Pratt Commissioners developed a plan for a new public hospital and included it in the general election. In April, 1947 the results of the election were: 2,695 in favor and 1,122 against the hospital proposal. The next month the Commissioners appointed the first hospital Board: Allott Brown; Albert E. Fincham; Claude Henderson; Charles Hoener; and Charles Flory. They were asked to plan and build a new hospital. Under their direction the new hospital was completed and dedicated on August 6, 1950. The Pratt County Hospital became Pratt Regional Medical Center (PRMC) in 1978.

The need for a hospital in a community is evident. Accidents and illnesses happen all the time. Businesses as well as families look for communities with hospitals when they are looking to relocate. It is assuring to have a place to go when your health is threatened. Hospitals also become the focal point of the community, as they hire well educated men and women to perform the various treatments and procedures as well as being community leaders. PRMC certainly fulfills all of these and more.

During the “Simply the Best” Capital Campaign, we contacted Randy and Terryl Henderson to see if they would like to make a pledge. After considering the request, the Hendersons made a significant pledge. However, Randy had a unique motivation. During the negotiations Randy said, “My grandfather was instrumental in starting the hospital and I wanted to maintain the tradition of supporting PRMC through the Pratt Health Foundation.” This great heritage is the basis for a wonderful tradition. We are sure that his grandfather would be proud of his community spirit.

As you look at the history of most rural hospitals, the greatest challenge is to find the funds to first, build and then maintain a hospital. That remains true today and it is great to note that philanthropic gifts make a huge difference in the quality of care. PRMC and the Pratt Health Foundation are certainly grateful for those who remember the hospital with their gifts, will designations and estate plans.

Therapy's Get Together

Anyone who goes to therapy knows that if you need Speech or Occupational Therapy, you have to hike to another part of the hospital to get your treatment/s. This situation was improved this summer as all of “the Therapies” were put in the same general area.

All three Therapies were moved to the general location of the Physical Therapy Department, i.e. the north-west area of the South Central Medical Clinic. The Physical Therapy area has been expanded and the previous space occupied last by Dr. Hedden has been incorporated into Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy.

Included in the new location will be expanded resources for Occupational Therapy. Future renovations will provide patients with access to an operational kitchen and specific real-life training modules. As stroke patients are re-trained to manage the normal functions of everyday life, it is good to work with keyboards, stoves, microwaves, etc. The expansion will provide greater access to a wider range of training opportunities.

The finishing touches are still in progress so when the paint dries, stop by for a tour. As always, the Simply the Best culture will accommodate your interest in the new developments at PRMC.

A publication of the Pratt Health Foundation (PHF)
203 S. Main * Pratt, Kansas 67124
( PHF and PRMC are 501(c)3 charitable healthcare organizations.)