In 1922, three daughters of Andrew Kaul recognized the need for a hospital to serve
the area. They organized and helped finance a community fund drive to convert an empty monastery building
into a modern, well-equipped, 38 bed hospital
which they named Andrew Kaul Memorial Hospital. In the late 20's the ownership and operation of the
hospital was turned over to the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict. In 1978, after 45 years, the hospital
was transferred from the religious order to the community again. In 1990 the hospital Board of Directors
voted to restructure forming the Andrew Kaul Health System with three subsidiaries - the hospital, Andrew Kaul
Hospital Foundation, and Elco Housing, Inc.
Structurally, there have been several major expansions. A fire gutted the entire hospital in 1934 and a temporary hospital was established at St. Joseph's Convent. By 1941, the shell of the old monastery was once again serviceable and two wings were added. A 138 bed extended care facility, named Pinecrest Manor, was added in 1970. In 1984, dedication and ribbon cutting ceremonies were held for the two-story wing housing.
In 1994 the name of the hospital was changed to St. Marys Regional Medical Center.
In 1994, construction of a three-floor medical office building was completed. The Outpatient Rehabilitation Building, housing the rehab facility and the Community Nurses opened in 1997. A major renovation in 2002 gave us the new front lobby, Emergency Department, and Operating/Recovery areas.
History of Elk County General Hospital
Elk County General Hospital was incorporated on December 28, 1900. The first patient was admitted on November 20, 1902.
In 1908, it was decided that a Nurse's Home (presently the Dickinson Mental Health Center) should be built. In 1913, complete x-ray equipment was installed, in 1915 a laboratory was installed, and in 1924, complete laundry equipment was put into operation.
In 1959, a $1,000,000 major expansion was completed with the opening of the new
four-story wing. A separate 28 bed psychiatric unit was
incorporated.
A construction program was started in October 1978 and completed in 1989. After completion of the $3,000,000 1980 wing at the northern side of the hospital, the 1902 and 1926 buildings underwent demolition and a new parking lot was built.
In November 1993, the name of the hospital was changed to Elk County Regional Medical Center. In 1994, a Professional Office Building was erected at the corner of Euclid Avenue and Hospital Street.
Two Facilities Merge to Form One Health System
On July 1, 1999, St. Marys Regional Medical Center merged with Elk County Regional Medical Center, becoming Elk Regional Health System.
Today
Today, Elk Regional Health System is a fully accredited, not-for-profit, general acute care institution, an extended care facility, an independant living facility, a home health agency, and an employed physician group that serves the health care needs of the residents of Elk and Cameron Counties, and the surrounding communities. Since its inception, Elk Regional Health System has had a rich history of community support and will continue to build upon this cherished tradition, to enhance its ability to respond to the community's ever-changing needs.