Jackson, Tennessee (August 11, 2020) – West Tennessee Healthcare, the region’s largest healthcare provider and employer in the region, is celebrating its 70th anniversary this month.
The need for a new, modern hospital in Jackson, TN became critical during World War II, as the population in the area grew. Three small community hospitals, operating at the time, were combined to form a 123-bed hospital with 166 employees due to the persistence of civic clubs, local leaders, and the Tennessee General Assembly. The Tennessee legislature created the private act in 1949 to form Jackson- Madison County General Hospital District (“the District”) to provide a full range of healthcare with due regard for the needs of low income and indigent patients. Jackson-Madison County General Hospital opened the door to treat its first patient on August 11, 1950.
The District, known as West Tennessee Healthcare, has now grown into a comprehensive health system operating hospitals and clinics, as well as providing other healthcare services, and now employs over 7,000 people throughout the region.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees Curtis Mansfield, said, “I am proud of the longstanding service that West Tennessee Healthcare has provided to this community, and I am confident that the system will continue to be the premier leader in healthcare here for years to come.”
“There has never been a time when our mission of ‘improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve’ has been more critical than during this pandemic,” said James Ross, President and CEO. “For seventy years, we have been serving Jackson and Madison County, and we have had the opportunity to grow and serve all of West Tennessee during this time. Our success is due to the dedication of our medical staff members, our employees, and the Board of Trustees. We thank our patients and our communities for your support over these seven decades, and we look forward to fulfilling our mission for decades to come.”
According to Jackson City Mayor Scott Conger, “West Tennessee Healthcare is a vital organization to the City of Jackson, TN and to our region as a whole. We are happy to help celebrate 70 years of the West Tennessee Healthcare system.”
“We in Madison County, and all of West Tennessee, are very fortunate to have West Tennessee Healthcare serving our most vulnerable patients with excellent healthcare and service,” said Madison County Mayor Jimmy Harris. “Their 70-year history is a testament to their commitment to our community, not only as high-quality healthcare providers but also, our largest employer. Congratulations to a great organization for their 70 years of dedicated service to our area.”
West Tennessee Healthcare strives to be chosen by the staff, the physicians, and the communities they serve as the best place to work, the best place to practice medicine, and the best place to receive comprehensive care.
