1945
In 1945 George G. Schaller made a generous gift of $100,000 to build a hospital in Storm Lake. In 1951 the first patient was admitted into the new Buena Vista County Hospital. In 1960 a $448,000 bond was approved to increase the capacity to 88 beds. In 2001 Buena Vista County Hospital became Buena Vista Regional Medical Center. In 2004 the final phase of a $12 million building project was completed.
1951
March 14, 1951, the first patient is admitted to the new Buena Vista County Hospital. Patient Gayle Wheat is transferred from the Porath Hospital, along with eight other patients and four babies throughout the same day.
1953
The BVCH Auxiliary is formed to promote and advance the welfare of the hospital through service and fundraising.
1953
In the World of Medicine: APGAR Scoring used on newborns.
1954
In the World of Medicine: Polio vaccine is successful.
1957
In the World of Medicine: Ultrasound scanning of pregnant women.
1959
In the World of Medicine: Pampers diapers are invented.
1960
A $448,000 bond is approved to increase the capacity of the hospital to 88 beds and expand special service areas.
1963
The new West Wing host its Open House. A new clinical laboratory, surgical facilities, and new patient rooms for 31 patients are added.
1967
In the World of Medicine: First successful human heart transplant. The C.A.T. scan is developed.
1968
A coffee shop, gift shop and waiting room are added.
1973
In the World of Medicine: DNA cloning is invented – birth of genetic engineering.
1981
A $4 million remodeling project is completed, adding 33,600 sq. feet to the facility.
1982
In the World of Medicine First implantation of the Jarvik Artificial Heart.
1988
A 16-bed inpatient Chemical Dependency Unit for Adolescents is installed on the third floor.
1989
Maternal and Newborn Case Management is formalized, including postpartum home visits and support services.
1990
BVCH purchases the North Campus to house VISTA Addiction and Recovery services.
1990
The hospital expands into health and wellness activities with the purchase of the Fitness & Health Center. Feel better, reduce stress, improve health and build a better you, that’s the goal of the Fitness and Health Center at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center. As wellness educators, the staff at BVRMC’s Fitness Center promotes physical and mental well being by providing a friendly and knowledgeable staff, personal training, activities geared for a variety of clientele, the opportunity to build self esteem, self confidence and a positive attitude.
1991
The Adolescent Chemical Dependency unit is closed, and the space is converted to outpatient services.
1994
A Renal Dialysis Unit is added to the growing menu of specialty services.
1995
In the World of Medicine: Patent issued for unique blood substitute.
1997
Trustees break ground for project 2000, which includes construction of a new specialty clinic, radiology, surgery and endoscopy facilities.
1997
The Specialty Clinic is joined by an enclosed walkway to TriMark BV Clinic.
1998
The new outpatient clinic opens, including Oncology, infusion rooms and state-of-the-art lab and x-ray equipment.
1999
Three new operating rooms, a recovery room, and equipment sterilizing area are completed. The radiology area includes new ultrasound and mammography suites, patient and family waiting areas, and new storage area for x-ray films.
2000
Building plans are initiated which would include; the construction of The Center for Women, an expanded rehabilitation service area, remodeled admitting, emergency and lab services, and a connecting walkway between the hospital and clinic buildings.
2001
BVCH officially becomes Buena Vista Regional Medical Center.
UnityPoint Health-Fort Dodge Affiliation
Since 2002, Buena Vista Regional Medical Center has partnered with UnityPoint Health – Fort Dodge through both a management agreement and a Critical Access Hospital agreement. BVRMC remains locally governed, but our affiliation with UnityPoint Health – Fort Dodge makes us a vital member of Iowa’s largest health care provider network. This affiliation enables BVRMC to retain our governance structure while taking advantage of greater system-wide resources, clinical platforms, best practices and many other advantages that will benefit the people in our community. In addition, the relationship affords BVRMC the management expertise and educational offerings of a larger organization that would not otherwise be readily available.
2003
The prestigious Press Ganey 2005 Compass Award for Outstanding Performance Improvement was awarded to Buena Vista Regional Medical Center. BVRMC was one of only three facilities to be recognized on the national level. The national honor was achieved through the hard work and dedication to service excellence by the employees of BVRMC.
2004
Construction is completed on the expansion and remodeling project in patient care areas. Third floor remodeling for administrative offices is completed and remodeling of the cafeteria began shortly after. Renal Dialysis is sold to Renal Ventures of Storm Lake.
2005
After months of planning, BVRMC became designated as a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) on November 1, 2005. This designation allowed for additional reimbursement under Medicare guidelines. Following the change to CAH status, BVRMC was licensed for 25 acute care beds and 10 behavioral health beds. This change required approval from the Medical Staff and Board of Trustees.
2009
2009
Construction is completed for the new “Bistro” cafeteria. Second floor First Embrace Obstetrics remodeling is also completed.
2009
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Room was added to the Diagnostic Imaging Services department.
2009
November of 2009 a $2.4 million MRI addition and a 3 Tesla MRI System were added to BVRMC.
2010
Surgical Services was completed in July of 2010 and created 3,400 square feet of new space and renovation of 13,600 existing square feet to include a new surgery room and two endoscopy rooms. Areas were made more comfortable and private.
2011
In 2011 the Oncology Department completed a remodeling project to become more of a healing environment. BVRMC is an accredited facility with an over 60 year history of improving the health of the people and the communities we serve. With 430 employees, a 10 bed geriatric behavioral health unit, 10 primary care physicians, 2 nurse practitioners, a radiologist, a general surgeon, and an orthopaedic surgeon. BVRMC has over 80 Inpatient and Outpatient Services, ranging from Allergy to Urology, that include 23 Specialty Clinics with 55 specialists. Buena Vista Regional Medical Center employs 430 individuals from 52 different communities.
2014
May, 2014 a $26 million building and remodeling project was announced. The project was funded through a combination of BVRMC operational funds, BVRMC financial reserves, and private financing.
2014
A Groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 23, 2014.
2016
A Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting was held on Monday, August 29, 2016.
2016
The Des Moines Register Names Buena Vista Regional Medical Center a Winner of the State of Iowa 2016 Top Workplaces Award in September, 2016.
2016
A Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting was held for the new BVRMC Retail Pharmacy on Wednesday, November 23, 2016. The Pharmacy is open to the public and the only locally owned Pharmacy in Storm Lake.
2017
A view of the BVRMC New Entrance off of Northwestern Drive.
2017
BVRMC started Buena Vista General Surgery at 210 East 5th Street in Storm Lake, with Dr. Jason Dierking and Dr. John Armstrong.