Sanford Merrill Medical Center is located in Lyon County, Iowa. Within the Sanford Merrill Medical Center are the Sanford Hospital Rock Rapids, Sanford Clinic Rock Rapids, Sanford Clinic George, and Sanford Fitness Center Rock Rapids. We are pleased to be a member of Sanford USD Medical Center and Health Network in providing the very best in disease prevention, treatment, screening, education and healthcare wellness in this area.
Mission Statement Dedicated To The Work Of Healing.
Vision Statement To be the best provider of acute primary healthcare services in our area through a holistic, integrated care continuum.
To provide the people of the area with comprehensive, high quality, accessible healthcare services.
To serve as a reasonable employer, participating in the socioeconomic cultural development of our area.
To provide quality healthcare services without regard to race, creed, color, or ability to pay.
To fulfill the role as regional health care coordinator of the Lyon County Area.
History – Sanford Merrill Medical Center
Sanford Hospital Rock Rapids (formerly known as Merrill Pioneer Community Hosptial) welcomed its first patient in May 1958. The 16-patient room hospital was centered on inpatient care. Services offered at that time were surgery, emergency care, labor and delivery, nursery, lab and x-ray. Major expansion/renovations of the hospital were completed in 1975, 1982, and in 1990.
Highlights
1975 - The first major remodeling and addition was made. The Pioneer Medical Center Clinic was built and attached to the hospital. Administration offices were added, the laboratory was relocated, and the business office was remodeled on the first floor. The pharmacy and meeting room were added to the lower level.
1982 - The second major remodeling was completed. A four bed monitored bed unit was added and the nurses station remodeled.
1990 - This renovation saw a change in the obstetrical department and nursery. Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Post-partum (LDRP) rooms were developed. Also, a second surgery room was added and the emergency room was relocated. An Outpatient area was constructed with exam rooms for outpatient specialists, a therapy area, and storage area.
1992 - A short-term (3-year) lease agreement with Sioux Valley Hospitals and Health System was entered into and continued until 1999.
1995 - The hospital facilitated the construction of Rock Rapids Kid’s Club.
1999 - A long-term (20-year) lease agreement with Sioux Valley Hospitals and Health System was signed.
1999 - The Pioneer Fitness Center, a department of the hospital was opened in the commons area of the old Central Lyon High School building, now known as the Central Lyon Activities Center.
2007 - The organization is becomes Sanford Merrill Medical Center, and the hospital is now called Sanford Hospital Rock Rapids.
Sanford Merrill Medical Center features several therapy programs including cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
Wellness screenings, occupational health, and diabetic educational programs are also available.
Laboratory and Radiology services are available 24 hours a day with staff serving both the hospital and the attached clinic.
The hospital has increased patient access to advanced technology through the use of various mobile services. (CT Scanner, Echocardiograms, EEG, DEXA Bone Scans, Densitometry, MRI, Mammography, Nuclear Medicine Cardiac Scans, Nuclear Body Scans, Doppler Studies, Nerve Conduction Studies, and Sleep Disorder Services.)
The Physician Specialty Clinic offers outreach physicians specializing in Cardiology, Ear, Nose & Throat, OB/Gynecology, Podiatry, Urology, Orthopedics, and Surgery.
Sanford Hospital Rock Rapids is a critical access hospital and is a certified Medicare and Medicaid provider fully licensed by the Iowa Department of Health to provide acute and swing bed services.
Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital Association - The Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital Association was formed in 1955 as the result of a plan conceived in January of that year to replace the Vander Wilt Hospital, which had served the community since 1932. Donations, memorials and stockholder fees financed the construction and the furnishing of the new facility. Membership fees (a lifetime investment) were and still are $100.00. Thirty trustees were appointed from the surrounding towns of Larchwood, Lester, Doon, George, Little Rock, Alvord, and Rock Rapids.
Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital Auxiliary - In 1957, initial steps to form a women’s group for the welfare of the hospital were taken. The first meeting of the Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital Auxiliary was held in May of 1958. Key women were selected from the surrounding towns of Larchwood, Lester, Doon, Alvord, George, Little Rock, Rock Rapids, Iowa and Steen and Ellsworth, Minnesota. The highlight of activities for that year was the ‘Autumn Fair’ which continues today. Membership to the Auxiliary is $5.00 for active membership and $10.00 for inactive for 2 years. The auxiliary has remained extremely active and has supported many major hospital projects over the years.
Sanford Clinic Rock Rapids and Sanford Clinic George Sanford Clinic Rock Rapids (formerly Pioneer Medical Center) was built as an attachment to Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital in 1975. The facility has offices for five providers with twelve examination rooms to provide medical services. The Center also has a satellite clinic in George, Iowa. Highlights
1984 - Pioneer Medical Center opened the George clinic site upon the retirement of Dr.J.G. Lavendar.
1992 - Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital purchased the physician practices.
1993 - Rock Rapids site became a Medicare certified Rural Health Clinic
2002 - Pioneer Medical Center - Doon was opened.
2003 - A new clinic was constructed in George, Iowa by the Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital Association to replace the aging structure then occupied by Pioneer Medical Center.
2007 - Pioneer Medical Center becomes Sanford Clinic Rock Rapids and Sanford Clinic George.
Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital
801 S. Greene Street
Rock Rapids, IA 51246
Sanford Merrill Medical Center is located in Lyon County, Iowa. Within the Sanford Merrill Medical Center are the Sanford Hospital Rock Rapids, Sanford Clinic Rock Rapids, Sanford Clinic George, and Sanford Fitness Center Rock Rapids. We are pleased to be a member of Sanford USD Medical Center and Health Network in providing the very best in disease prevention, treatment, screening, education and healthcare wellness in this area.