Providing health care services since 1973

History

Butler County Health has been providing health care services to the residents of David City and the surrounding communities for 50 years. The manner in which health care is delivered has changed significantly since the doors opened in 1973.

A county-wide bond issued for $1.3 million was passed in 1971. The hospital opened its doors November 3, 1973. At this time the north service wing encompassed surgical, X-ray, laboratory, obstetrical, physical therapy and emergency care services. The south service wing contained all the necessary support activities such as the boiler room, storage, incinerator, laundry, kitchen and dining spaces. The center section contained the administrative functions: business office, medical records, conference library, nurse’s station, staff offices and staff workrooms. There were three patient wings in the originally facility that consisted of 11 private rooms and 11 two-bed rooms, sun room, whirlpool bath and French shower for wheel chair patients. A nursery and two-bed intensive care ward were located by the nurse’s station.

Butler County Health continually makes improvements to the facility, equipment and services in order to improve patient care. The board of directors takes pride in the fact that while the hospital is a county- owned facility, no tax dollars have been used on the hospital improvements.

Major highlights of the facility over the course of 50 years:

In 1987 a 5, 710 square-foot addition was built to house physical therapy and the Wellness Center. The original wellness center served as the first fitness center in David City

The Butler County Clinic was constructed in 1990. The clinic was built with 12 exam rooms each with two entrances (one for patient and one for the provider), x-ray room, lab area and business office space.

In 1991 the renovation of the birthing area and recovery room was complete. This changed the labor and delivery room to a birthing room and created additional space for a recovery room for surgery patients.

The outpatient department was expanded in 1995.  The new area included a private counseling area, waiting room area and two patient rooms.

In 1999, an addition to the radiology department was constructed, adding a CT room, conference room and storage room to this department. An outpatient waiting room was also constructed to the northeast part of the facility at this time.

A 6,000 square-foot expansion to the northeast part of the hospital began in 2004. This project was completed in 2005 resulting in: covered main entrance, private admission booths, two emergency rooms, eight outpatient recovery rooms, private birthing room and new nursery, outpatient specialty exam rooms and new spaces for respiratory therapy, laboratory, radiology and medical records.

The Butler County Clinic addition and renovation was completed in 2007, creating an additional six exam rooms and more business office space. 

In 2008 the board of directors approved the next phase of the master plan. This resulted in the renovation of the patient rooms to be made private, the addition of the south wing to house new patient rooms and larger sun room and remodeling of the business office, administration, kitchen and cafeteria. This was completed in 2009.

Butler County Supervisors approved an $8 million bond issue in April of 2012 to help finance the $11 million addition and renovation project of the wellness center, therapy and surgery departments.

In 2013 the last phase of the master plan is completed. The 10,000 square-foot wellness center and therapy department that features a 20-feet high glass wall and indoor walking track opened in January. The 3,500 square-foot surgical suite, complete with two operating rooms, a new recovery room, decontamination clean/sterile processing and staff locker rooms was completed in July. Upgrades to the mechanical systems area including a new boiler and chiller were completed as well.

In 2016 Butler County Health acquired Anytime Fitness which is today Downtown Fitness.   Memberships from Butler County Health are good at both the Wellness Center and Downtown Fitness locations.

The Board of Directors of Butler County Health Care Center approved the $2.6 million construction project that began in the beginning of September 2017. The pediatric therapy clinic adds approximately 2500 square feet of new space to the east of the Wellness Center and remodeling of the existing therapy department and wellness center.  Roots to Shoots Pediatric Therapy Clinic specializes in meeting the physical, occupational and speech therapy needs of children that live in the community and surrounding areas.

BCH Audiology Clinic opened in November 2021.  The building is located across the street from the hospital on 10th Street, next to Witter Family Medicine.  BCH Audiology Services provides hearing services for all ages.  This building also houses Health Information Management and the Business Office. 

The Parkinson's Empowerment Group at Butler County Health targets so many aspects and symptoms of Parkinson’s. It improves a person’s posture, mobility, balance, and coordination, as well as cognition and ability to multi-task. I also like the flexibility of the program and being able to adjust exercises from each position to fit the need of each individual patient.  

Andy Valenti, Physical Therapist Assistant

My strategy in nutrition coaching is to focus on the positive – what things could we add to increase the variety of healthy foods in your routine?  By focusing on adding more healthy choices, you will not feel deprived as you gradually leave out less nutritious choices.  My goal is to help you get a personalized approach to wellness that you can achieve and maintain with your current lifestyle.

Sandra Burwell, Registered Dietitian

Butler County Health has felt like home to me from the beginning of my employment.  I have spent more than 5 years working in an environment that has challenged me to pursue my nursing skills in many different areas such as the Emergency Department, Obstetrics, Inpatient Care, Outpatient Care and as Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Coordinator.

Tara Palensky, RN

BCH Roots to Shoots Pediatric Therapy Clinic eliminates the need for long commutes to distant facilities like Madonna, allowing Aria to maximize her therapy sessions and educational opportunities.  It is significant for Aria’s overall well-being as it reduces the stress and agitation she had from extended travel.  The staff is like our family to us.

Jennifer Prothman

The communication between us and Leia’s Roots to Shoots therapists is excellent.  We are given the tools and resources to practice techniques at home for ongoing progress and development so she can continue to thrive.  The entire staff at Roots to Shoots goes above and beyond what needs to be done; from teaching her to wear something as simple as a mask, to helping her feel comfortable riding in another vehicle like a school bus.  They are our angels.

Stacey Bykerk

I feel having a 3D mammogram was a blessing for me since it detected my Stage 1 cancer.  The technicians were very helpful as they explained how the machine worked compared to the 2D method.  A big difference is that the 3D machines moves above your head from one size to another and gives a more complete image of the breast.  The testing time also seemed shorter than the standard mammogram.

Judy Dubs

I had a bunion on my foot and I wanted it removed,  but I really didn't want to travel too far to have the procedure done.  So when Butler County Health started providing Podiatry Services, I made an appointment right away.  Dr. Carlston is professional and personable.  He took the time to explain what happens during the procedure and afterwards.

Jill Pokorny

Being able to have my blood drawn at Butler County Health saves me a weekly trip to Omaha.  It is simple to schedule an appointment that works with my schedule and the staff is quick and efficient at drawing my blood samples.

Tanner Zeilinger