Since opening its doors on February 28, 2012, Madison Hospital has provided the Madison community with access to world-class, lifesaving healthcare that’s closer to home. 10 years later, the hospital is nearly bursting at the seams and ready for future expansion.

To celebrate this milestone and to help raise funds for equipment and facility upgrades, the Huntsville Hospital Foundation recently launched the MyHospital fundraising campaign.

It’s hard to imagine there was once a time when Madison residents had to drive all the way to Huntsville for even the most routine health care. The hospital’s growth has been largely driven by Madison residents that want advanced medical services near to where they live.

“It has grown by unbelievable leaps and bounds,” said Mary Lynne Wright, President of Madison Hospital. “We knew it was going to be busy, but I don’t think any of us thought it would be this busy within 10 years; the pandemic has obviously had a big impact on volume. We’re very fortunate that we have this hospital open, because the volume of COVID in this community is just so high, Huntsville Hospital by itself would have had a difficult time.”

The hospital’s growth trajectory has been huge over the past decade, keeping in pace with the continued development of the City of Madison. The staff has more than doubled over the last decade. Ten years ago, there were 300 employees. Now, there are 750 on staff, with about 100 of the original crew still on board.

Since the hospital first opened its doors in February 2012, generous individuals and companies have donated more than $2 million to fund technology and programs that otherwise would not have been possible.

Over the past decade, the hospital has added medical specialists, as well as new state-of-the-art equipment. 10 years ago, the hospital had only one MRI and one CAT scan, now there are two of each.

“We’ve added a cardiologist, a nephrologist, a pulmonologist, and we do pediatric outpatient surgery here,” said Wright. “We do a lot of orthopedic work, a lot of general surgery, and a lot of OB/GYN. We’ll probably deliver about 1,500 babies this year, which is a lot of babies.”

A major priority for Madison Hospital is to upgrade the nursery to better treat babies who need a more intensive level of care. Along with expanding Madison Hospital’s capacity, this renovation will also provide a more personal and comfortable experience for families with private bays for each baby.

“This renovation will help us better treat the increased needs of those Level II babies, meaning they can stay near their families here in Madison,” said Wright.

“It is hard to believe that a decade has passed since we had to travel to downtown Huntsville for a simple diagnostic screening, to welcome a new baby into the family, or to rush to the emergency room,” said Jim Bolte, Madison resident and Madison Hospital Board Member. “Madison Hospital is a massive benefit for our families, local economic development, and our quality of life. If we work together, we can ensure our hospital has the very best technology, resources, and facilities for us today, the next decade, and beyond.”

Join Madison Hospital in celebrating its 10 years by contributing to the MyHospital campaign. In addition to monetary donations, donors can support the cause and leave a legacy by purchasing a personalized brick, paver, or bench in the Madison Hospital Healing Garden. This is a great way to honor or celebrate a baby born at Madison Hospital, a Madison Hospital team member, other loved ones, or friends.

The contribution is 100% tax deductible and benefits not-for-profit Madison Hospital.

To donate or purchase a commemorative brick, visit huntsvillehospitalfoundation.org/MyHospital.