Bates County Memorial Hospital officially opened its doors on September 16, 1960, but the history of health care in Bates County laid the foundation for our current facility. Our community has had a hospital presence for almost 100 years.
In 1926, Mrs. S. C. Stayton saw the need for a community hospital. After renting a two-story house at 107 S. Havana Street in Butler, Missouri, she furnished five rooms upstairs for patients, while local doctors furnished an operating room. The first patient was admitted on June 17, 1926.
In 1932, during the height of the Great Depression, Mrs. Stayton convinced the city to purchase property for a new two-story hospital, located on the corner of Maple and College Streets. It was called Butler Memorial Hospital in honor of Mrs. Stayton’s late husband.
1932 – 1959
Our thanks to Bates County Museum for sharing images of hospital staff and local doctors from the Butler Memorial Hospital years.
Dr. Luter with M. Burk, R.N.
Dr. Hansen
Dr. LaHue
Dr. Cooper
Dr. Robinson
Dr. Lusk, Nurse Furman
“Kindell”
“Bud in Lab”
Hugh Sanders
In 1943, Butler purchased the building for $20,000. Though many additions and improvements were made over the years, by the 1950s, it was clear the community needed a new hospital to keep pace with state regulations and growing demand. An average of 1,400 patients were admitted each year. Between 65 to 70% of them lived outside the city limits.
1960 – Original Construction of Bates County Memorial Hospital
By 1969, Bates County Memorial Hospital needed more space. Patients lined the halls and lobby 100% of the time. A $550,000 bond issue was approved that added 40 beds, bringing the hospital’s total to 90, plus a 10-bed nursery.
In 1974 and 1977, two more hospital expansions added much-needed space for everything from medical records storage to a respiratory care department. After the hospital’s second addition in 1977, the hospital had a new pharmacy, outpatient office, waiting room and treatment rooms, as well as an expanded respiratory care department.
Offering the latest health care technology has always been a priority at BCMH. In 2004, we were the first hospital in the Midwest to obtain digital mammography. The hospital upgraded to 3D mammography in 2016.