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Our History
History of Wilson County Hospital
WCH is a progressive thirty-eight bed hospital licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and certified by Medicare. The hospital holds memberships in Kansas Hospital Association and the Neodesha Chamber of Commerce.
WCH was founded in 1913 through community efforts of a physician, Dr. John L. Moorhead, who conducted a successful legislative campaign in Topeka allowing a county hospital to be established in Kansas. Newspaper clippings tell that the resulting three-story brick building, erected at a cost of $40,000, boasted a staff of six nurses and the latest appliances. The same clipping states "Dr. Moorhead called together a few business men of the town and explained the need for such a facility. Before the governor had signed the measure, Neodesha had a campaign mapped out to submit the question to a vote of the people of the county. The businessmen canvassed the county and the hospital carried by a big vote." This resulted in Neodesha having the first county hospital in Kansas. The first x-ray machine was purchased in 1921 and the first laboratory was set up in 1936, cost $493.40. The community continues to be proud and supportive of the hospital today.
In 1999, the Wound Care Center moved into a building behind the hospital and added a hyper baric chamber. A wellness center, Get Fit!, and outpatient physical therapy department opened at 6th and Main early in 2000. Future plans include a new physician�s clinic adjacent to WCH and to expand the capabilities of the Wound Care Center by adding a second hyperbaric chamber and exam rooms.
Much of the hospital�s continued survival is due to a dedicated medical staff, loyal employees, caring Auxiliary, and the Wilson County Hospital Foundation.
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