If you drive by the location of the old hospital at this time, you would not be able to tell what once stood there.  All evidence of the activities that once took place on those lots has been erased and has been transferred to the new facility which has been occupied for one year. 

The doors of the new Oakes Community Hospital opened June 19, 2007.  The patients and staff have been very pleased with the more efficient environment and new technology that enhances the ability to provide the best possible patient care.

In March and April of 2007, the Radiology Department received a new state of the art 16 slice CT scanner and PACS (digital imaging) system which was installed in the new facility.  June 19, 2007 marks the first day the hospital was officially open with patients being moved from the old hospital to the new campus on Highway One in coordination with the Oakes Ambulance Service.  Dr. Rup Nagala performed the first procedure/surgery on June 21, 2007, which was a tonsillectomy. The new spacious LDRP (Labor, Delivery, Recovery, and Post Partum Room – aka – Birthing Room) was initiated with the birth of a healthy baby girl July 14, 2007.    In September 2007, landscaping began around the facility with the grounds becoming gorgeous and green with the laying of sod and planting of trees, shrubs and bushes.  For the months of January – March 2008, HealthStream Research recognized OCH with Certificates of Achievement for Customer Satisfaction in the Emergency Department, Inpatient, Outpatient, and Same Day Surgery service areas.  In keeping up with the goal of providing good customer satisfaction, in March 2008 the Dietary Department rolled out a “Room Service” type menu plan, which has been met with great reviews from patients and their family members.  OCH continues to assist area students with their education by offering scholarships to individuals seeking a career in healthcare.  In May of 2008, as in every May since 2003, two - $750 scholarships (previously $500 each) were awarded. 

Many community members continue to support us through the Oakes Community Hospital Foundation.  One of the most recent gifts, received in January of 2008, was Coles’ Center, which is an entertainment cart for pediatric patients and in the near future the Donor Wall and Heritage Wall will be completed.  The new environment has benefited OCH in maintaining safe, efficient patient care, by providing advancements in technology, equipment, work space, storage, and most importantly, delivery of care to patients. An example of this includes the measures that have been taken for security, such as security badges for entrance into closely monitored areas and security cameras which monitor activity inside and the surrounding outside area.  The helipad, which accommodates immediate emergency transportation for medical purposes, is another example of the safe and efficient care provided. 

The community has been very generous in providing financial support in building the physical structure which has also turned into an increased utilization and support of the facility in seeking care locally. Overall it has been a tremendous year, from the pleasure in caring for patients to enjoying the new work environment.