Hospital Marks 50 Years With Celebration

In the last five years the hospital has seen tremendous growth that includes adding more services and updated equipment, renovations to the medical facility (above), increased beds at the nursing home and a new doctors’ complex. – Photo by Linda White

The hospital moved to its current location in January, 1962. After serving Yalobushians for 50 years, hospital officials will celebrate the milestone with a reception on Sunday, January 29 from 2 to 4 p.m.

WATER VALLEY – Yalobusha General Hospital will celebrate 50 years of service to the city, county, and surrounding areas on Sunday, January 29, with a reception on location from 2 to 4 p.m. The public is invited to attend the event, which will coincide with the opening of the facility’s new Physical Therapy Department.
This department will now be located in the front area of the hospital utilizing additional space, updated equipment, and easier access for patients and visitors. “Please stop by and tour our recent renovations, and visit with us while we serve refreshments to our guests,” invites Terry Varner, hospital administrator. “We are proud of our new look and updated department, and we would enjoy sharing them with everyone.”
The Water Valley Hospital originated on Panola Street in the home now known as the Hamric Henry house and served as the only hospital for 42 years – from 19201962. The present structure, Yalobusha General Hospital, is located on Highway 7 South. Governor Ross Barnett was the principal speaker at the hospital dedication ceremony on November 28, 1961.
A grand opening was celebrated January 2, 1962, making available 30 acute care beds, surgery and delivery rooms, and emergency services. Construction costs totaled $500,000 with room rates at $12.50 per day for a private room and $9.00 per day for a semiprivate room.
Paul Strode was the first Yalobusha General Hospital administrator. The Hospital Board included: Chairman J. Roy Bennett, W. E. Benoist, W. W. Frost, Ross Ingram, Walter Moore, C. C. Pate, and William “Tug” York.   The Yalobusha County Board of Supervisors included: President W. V. Craig, W. C. Harrison, Carl Parker, Thomas S. Swearengen, and E. Doke French. Attorneys for the Board were J. P. “Pitt” Stone and Kermit R. Cofer.
Administrators of Yalobusha General Hospital include: Paul Strode, Marguerite Cook, Bennie Cole Taylor (Acting), Shannon Flynn, James Ivy, William Vandergriff (Interim), Ted Whitley, Gene Schuler, David Fuller, Edward Gilliland, Jamie Carter, Bob Jones, Johnny Hearn, and present Administrator Terry Varner.
The first hospital expansion was in 1969. Later, the original acute care wing was renovated into nursing home space. In November 2000, the newlybuilt rear nursing home expansion opened with seventytwo additional beds. October 2005 marked the opening of the newlyrenovated nursing home expansion, named in honor of longtime physician Dr. D.E. Spears.
The motto of Yalobusha General Hospital is: “Neighbors Caring for Neighbors.”