A message from Samaritan Healthcare

New hospital on the horizon

MOSES LAKE – Samaritan Hospital has a 75-year history as being a community hospital. Grant County Public Hospital District No. 1 was formed in 1947 and two years later, with the support of the community, Samaritan Hospital opened in a converted barracks. In 1952, as the area continued to grow, the hospital board of commissioners agreed to construct a new hospital on Samaritan’s current site and it opened in 1955, with an increase to fifty beds. Since the last major addition/renovation, more than 20 years ago, the delivery of healthcare has changed dramatically. Changes to healthcare today include requiring more room for patients, equipment for medical and technology needs, and supplies. There are also additional regulations, such as more efficient air handling, fulfilling the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as energy codes, and specs and preparedness for seismic activity. With modern infrastructure—from energy-efficient windows to up-to-date construction materials and design—the increased efficiency in terms of utility costs will easily exceed Washington State’s new energy standards...