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Show People Support Hospital Now in "Black' Rated High Cortex Is the site of Southwestern Memorial Hospital, one of the most progressive hospitals In western Colorado a community-t.ponsored Institution which has been operating In the "black" since 1951. The hospital, a $163,000 Institution was opened In early 1948 after residents of the area subscribed sufficient funds to pay- for the erection and materials. Since opening day, more than 20,000 patients have been cared for. Although it has a capacity of 31 patients, an Influenza outbreak among the Indians on the near-by Ute reservation last November made it necessary to "bed down" 57 patients at one time, according to Harry Clark, hospital manager. "We certainly didn't have any private rooms then," he relates. The drive for funds with which to build the hospital was spearheaded by the Cortez Lions Club, a feat which has endeared the service club to the community. Equipment is modern. The maternity section has an eight-bed capacity and accommodations for 10 babies. There are normally six beds in the childrens' section, but last winter 16 children were patients at one time all from the Ute reservation. The laboratory Is completely modern. Blood serology, pathology and pregnancy tests are sent out, however. X-rays likewise are sent out for reading. It is an open staff hospital, and any MD who is a member of the local and state medical association may practice there. There are at present seven doctors on the staff. Prior to opening of the present hospital, facilities for care of the sick were limited In the Cortez area. In about 1920 Dr. E. E. Johnson opened a private hospital as a public service, and it was operated by him until his death In 1942. Montezuma County then took over management of the hospital but the facility was deemed inadequate to meet needs of the growing community. It was then that the movement for construction ot the present hospital was started. At the bead of the staff of nine nurses is Mrs. Eva Tulles, graduate of the School of Nursing of Cor win Hospital at Pueblo. She had acted as superlntendant of nurses at the Johnson Hospital during the latter years of its existence, and worked as clinical nurse for Dr. I. E. Maxwell at Cortez until accepting her present postltion in July of 1934. Southwestern Memorial Hospital is fully credited and bandies cases from the Ute Reservation, both in Colorado and Utah. It received a rating of "Excellent" when last inspected by the state Department of Health. It Is fourth In western Colorado In the number of Blue Cross patients handled and treated. A large area Is served, patients coming from Uravan, Nucla, Norwood, the southeast corner of Utah, northeast corner of Arizona, and the northwest corner of New Mexico. Rates are reasonable, averaging $9.00 per day for semi- Srivate, rooms, and $8.00 per day l wards. Mr. Clark relates that "business is good. . .but we don't like to see people get sick." During 1953 the hospital operated at 90 percent of capacity, and the 1954 rate was even higher. At times, it was at 110 percent of capacity for as much as two months at a time. If there is need for expansion of the hospital, Mr. Clark feels the people of Montezuma County and of Cortez will support the cause. "But let us hope expansion Isn't necessary except because of the growth of population. We like to know that people are healthy. . . . but we're ready to treat them when they are 111," he comments. |
