Today Starr Regional Medical Center - Etowah announces its 55^th anniversary of providing high quality, compassionate care, close to home for the residents of Etowah and its surrounding communities.

Woods Memorial Hospital District, the county’s publicly owned, not-for-profit hospital, opened its doors in August 1965 with 34 patient beds and 25 employees. It was named in memory of Carrie Alice and George Woods Sr., at the request of their son, George Woods Jr., a former Tennessee Speaker of the House from Etowah who was instrumental in establishing the hospital.   

The years that followed brought about an expansion in services and facilities while navigating the changing healthcare landscape. Additions included an increase in the number of patient beds, physician offices, a surgery suite, emergency medical services, wound care center and radiology services.

In 2012, the facility was purchased by LifePoint Health and in 2013 Athens Regional Medical Center and Woods Memorial Hospital joined forces to become Starr Regional Medical Center. Starr Regional is a comprehensive medical center with two campuses and the same mission: making our communities healthier with the best possible healthcare.

In addition to providing access to the vast resources available through LifePoint Health, opportunities for growth and improvement were identified and investments were made to the Etowah facility resulting in significant service enhancements, including:

• Renovated emergency department;
• Improved diagnostic imaging services, including new CT scanner;
• Cosmetic upgrades to the entire facility;

• Expanded outpatient services, including occupational and speech therapies;
• Technology updates;

• Renovated and expanded service lines such as Senior Care and advanced wound care; and
• Chest Pain Center accreditation from the American College of Cardiology Accreditation Services.

The Etowah campus continues to serve the community’s healthcare needs through its emergency department, outpatient services, an 88-bed skilled and long-term care nursing home – Starr Regional Health & Rehabilitation, 18-bed Senior Care program and Advanced Wound Care Center.

“I am honored to be part of this hospital’s heritage and consider it a privilege to work alongside such dedicated and caring people,” said John McLain, chief executive officer of Starr Regional Medical Center. “The most obvious benefit we provide is also our most vital: the delivery of high-quality patient care close to home for those we serve. Whether you need emergency treatment, outpatient services or inpatient services provided by Starr Regional Health & Rehabilitation or our Senior Care program, our goal is for you to have access to the care you need, when and where you need it. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our communities and look forward to continuing to support this facility’s legacy.”