History

In the mid-1870’s, coal mining was a booming industry in this area.  Thousands of miners went to work daily and, unfortunately, many were injured on the job, with no provisions for their care.  If they could survive the trip, injured workers were given passage on the railroad to obtain care in a large city, such as Philadelphia.  Otherwise they were sent home to be treated by family and/or to die.

The need for better medical care was evident, and in 1879, state legislation was approved to form the State Hospital for Injured Persons of the Anthracite Coal Region at Fountain Springs.  Construction of the new hospital began in May 1880 and was completed in 1882.  The original building included several wards, an Administrative wing, operating rooms, laundry and a stable.

The first patient, John Lucas from Shenandoah, was admitted on November 14, 1883, following an injury at the Kohinoor Colliery.  Originally the hospital could only accept injured miners, railroad workers and textile workers, in that priority order.  No women or children, nor non-injured persons (i.e. serious illness) would be accepted as patients until the early 1900’s.  Over the years, the mission of the hospital evolved to include care not only for injured workers, but also for their families and eventually for community members requiring professional medical care.  Saint Catherine Medical Center continues to build on this tradition and the strong family values of the residents of Schuylkill County, while planning for the future healthcare needs of the community.

In the early 1960’s, it was clear that a new hospital needed to be built.  The current building was completed in 1967 and the original building was demolished. 

The state divested many of the state-owned/operated hospitals, including Ashland State General Hospital, in the 1990’s.  Since then, Ashland Regional Medical Center had several owners. 

“New Name, New Attitude… Committed to Being YOUR Healthcare Provider of Choice!”  is the introduction Saint Catherine Medical Center Fountain Springs presented to the local community when the hospital was purchased on May 1, 2006.

Saint Catherine Medical Center Fountain Springs is committed to establishing itself as a center of clinical excellence, the preferred hospital for the residents of Schuylkill County and for physicians to practice, and the regional employer of choice.  This commitment is reflected in the development and introduction of services based on the current and future needs expressed by those the hospital is committed to serve… community members, physicians and staff.

Saint Catherine Medical Center Fountain Springs offers comprehensive medical care provided by professionals:  an Emergency Care Department staffed by board-certified Physicians; a full complement of surgical services including ambulatory surgery; orthopedics program directed by a board-certified orthopedist; outpatient services – laboratory, radiology and therapies; as well as hospital care on our nursing units.  Our facility not only provides care in a hospital-setting, but also includes a long-term care unit – Saint Catherine Healthcare Center – offering care to those who can no longer care for themselves in their own home.  Both facilities are licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Health.