In 1949, a trio of Norton physicians, Ernest J. Benko, George W. Botts and D. Cury, Jr., realized their community needed a comprehensive health care facility. They created the Miner’s Hospital, which served Wise County’s mining community until 1951, when Norton General bought the facility.
In October 1973, Qualicare, Inc., of New Orleans, La., assumed management of the hospital (1973-1983) and immediately began plans for construction of a new facility set to be completed in 1977 and replace the old 75-bed facility which was originally the home of a coal baron.
in May 1976, $6.5 million in bonds were sold to finance the construction of the new Norton Community Hospital facility, with the groundbreaking held on July 13, 1976. This significant step in the evolution of Norton Community Hospital was completed on Sept. 7, 1977, with the opening of the present facility. Seventy-five acute beds and 75 long-term care, or nursing home, beds were opened in the new structure.
Progress continued as both the quality and quantity of health care provided by Norton Community Hospital grew. A banner year in the continued growth of the old Miners Hospital occurred in 1983. Facing a difficult decision concerning the long-term care facility, the board of directors and administration officials elected to close long-term care beds and expand acute care services. This action was completed in December 1983. This decision to close long-term care beds was more acceptable with the acquisition of the former Park Avenue Hospital. The 54 acute-care beds were added to Norton Community Hospital's 75, bringing the total bed count to the current 129 acute-care beds.
In the spring of 2002, Norton Community Hospital embarked on a $16.5-million renovation project that included:
- Expanding our emergency room and cardio-pulmonary services area
- Purchasing new equipment in radiology and other areas to offer the very latest in diagnostic technology
- Developing a new hospital main entrance and emergency entrance
- Creating a relaxing atmosphere in our lobby with lighting, greenery and a water fountain
- Creating private registration areas
- Relocating the Helping Hands Gift Shop
- Redesigning our patient rooms and hallways with new signage and lighting to enhance our patient experience
- Creating a child-friendly, dedicated pediatric unit, including an "Under the Sea" pediatric playroom
In 2007, Norton Community Hospital partnered with Mountain States Health. In the years since the partnership, Norton Community Hospital has completed major renovations throughout the facility including the Family Birth Center, intensive care unit, inpatient rehab department, medical surgery rooms, laboratory, pharmacy and surgical suite.
Norton Community Hospital is recognized as a leader in the provision of quality primary care and specialty services, delivered through highly trained support and diverse medical staff. Our patients, physicians, and team members are able to enjoy the benefits of rural living and the opportunity of practicing in a safe, modern and progressive healthcare facility.