In 1992, the licensed bed capacity was changed to 39 and 5 bassinets. Former patient rooms were needed for pharmacy remodeling and nursing offices.
Bed capacity was decreased to 37 in 1994 after remodeling for cardiac rehab. The bed capacity was decreased to 32 in 1996 due to decreased inpatient census.
In April 2000, the voters passed a $4.75 million bon issue. Ground breaking began in June of 2000 and the remodeling, which was completed in three phases, was completed in April of 2003. The project added a new wing for outpatient services, new OR and Procedure rooms, contemporary ER facilities, private patient rooms, and updates to many other departments. The bed capacity for Nemaha County Hospital is now 20.
It should be noted that a county tax levy for the operational fund was necessary only the first three years; since 1966, the hospital has be self-supporting, and there have been no county taxes for that purpose since. The bond fund, used for original construction and the addition, retired in 1979.
Since we are a county owned facility, we are governed by state law, which specifies the hospital is controlled by a Board of Directors comprised of five members, for six-year terms. Our Directors meet at 6:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Hospital. A Board member meets quarterly with the County Commissioners.
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