Sidney Health Center

The first Sidney Hospital started in May of 1907 and was located in the home of William M. Meadors, where Mrs. Meadors cared for patients. A year prior to that, Dr. R.A. Morrill was appointed by the governor to serve as physician for the construction crews on the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation project because of his knowledge of typhoid fever.

Dr. John S. Beagle originally came to the area in 1909 and opened his first office above the Yellowstone Mercantile. A few years later he acquired the Northey House, which became the first Sidney hospital. Limited space allowed for only five to six beds. Soon the quarters became inadequate and the location moved back to the Meadors Home.

At that time, plans to build a larger hospital originated. In 1916, the new 30-bed hospital opened its doors as the Sidney Hospital located at 221 5th St SW. This hospital also served as a nurse’s training school.

In 1919, management transferred to the Deaconess Association of the Methodist Church. It operated under this name until 1946, when it was reorganized as a non-profit, non-sectarian institution and was named the Community Memorial Hospital.

In 1946 and 1950, the community funded expansion projects. Individuals and groups in the area dedicated funds to cover expenses of identified areas including patient and waiting rooms.

As Sidney started to outgrow its medical facilities, a drive for a new hospital began in 1966. The new complex was completed in 1970, at the cost of $1,500,000. With additions to the facility in the 1980s and 1990s, the building continues to provide medical services to the residents of Eastern Montana.

In 1996, Community Memorial Hospital merged with Richland Homes and became one non-profit entity under the current name of Sidney Health Center. The campus includes a 25-bed hospital, 93-bed extended care facility, retail pharmacy and clinic area with several suites. This complete range of healthcare services can be attributed to our forefathers, who demonstrated philanthropic and progressive spirits in their vision of rural healthcare.

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The detailed timeline of the past 100+ years outlines the evolution of the Sidney Hospital from a small home-based hospital to a progressive rural healthcare system with a vision for the future.


		Dr. R.A. Morrill was appointed by the governor to serve as a physician for the construction crews on the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation project because of his knowledge of typhoid fever

		First Sidney Hospital started in May, located in the home of William M. Meadors

		The Northey House was acquired to be the second Sidney Hospital (only 5-6 beds)

		Meadors home was re-rented after it was remodeled and enlarged to contain a small but adequate surgery, private rooms with a bath, and a main ward plus office and kitchen.

		Construction completed and 30-Bed Hospital opens on Alberta Street

		Methodist Episcopal Church bought the hospital and the Sidney Hospital became the Sidney Deaconess Hospital

		Sidney Deaconess Hospital became Community Memorial Hospital with a 37-bed capacity

		Community Memorial Hospital became a non-profit, non-sectarian institution known as Community Memorial Hospital of Richland County Dr. John E. Low –first hospital administrator Nels Bach---first board president

		Area residents gathered to discuss the area’s need for improved housing for the elderly

		Richland Homes officially opened on July 1, 1961, to a “limited number of elderly residents of the area” according to the June 28 Sidney Herald

		Residents began fund raising to build a new hospital

		Inaugurated in September 1966, volunteers raised about $250,000 for the hospital’s construction

		Construction began on 14th Avenue of Community Memorial Hospital

		Doors opened on the new hospital at 14th Avenue Southwest under the leadership of Hospital Administrator C. Gregg McKown and Board President Otto Habedank

		Richland Homes was remodeled and ten more beds were added, along with a nurse’s station, resident lounge and a large chapel

		Community Health Fitness Center (Healthworks) was created to aid in the rehabilitation of patients. The idea was conceived by Dr. Jimmie Ashcraft, who also was responsible for the center’s fundraising effort.

		Richland Homes demolished two of the original wings and reconstructed them into new locations, adding eight more beds to the facility, for a total of 93 beds.

		Community Memorial Hospital merged with Richland Homes and became Sidney Health Center

		The Lodge at Lone Tree Creek, an assisted living facility managed by Sidney Health Center, opened August 2nd.

		Construction began on outpatient/inpatient surgery suite addition at Sidney Health Center.

216 14th Ave SW Sidney, MT

(406)488-2100