Gifford Milestones
Read about Gifford's more recent history, from 2000 until 2005.
2000 - Area clergy and volunteers help Gifford create a chaplaincy program.
2001 - Gifford becomes the second hospital in the state to be named a Critical Access Hospital, a national designation offering increased federal support through higher Medicare reimbursements for rural hospitals with 25 beds.
2001 - The Rochester Health Center celebrates 25 years.
2001 - Gifford begins offering MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) services through a mobile unit that visits the hospital.
2001 - The prestigious Compass Award from patient satisfaction surveying company Press Ganey recognizes Gifford’s increasing patient satisfaction scores over a two-year period.
2002 - An expanded ambulatory care center, an integrated facility with space for still-expanding outpatient services opens. It is named in memory of Dr. Gifford’s nephew, John Pearl Gifford.
2002 - The Robin’s Nest Child Enrichment Center is designed and built replacing the old center. The new facility increases enrollment to 44, adds a pre-toddler program, increases classroom space and creates age-appropriate play areas.
2002 - The Gifford Medical Center Auxiliary Thrift
Shop moves into the day care’s former space. After renovations and improvements, the expanded space allows for easier browsing of great deals.
2002 - Working collaboratively with the Clara Martin Center, mental health services come to the Chelsea Health Center.
2002 - Hospital billing returns to Gifford, creating jobs.
2003 - Gifford Medical Center begins its centennial celebration.
2003 - The hospital hires its first chaplain, who works with Gifford’s team of chaplaincy volunteers.
2003 - A hospital-wide customer service learning effort known as BEST (Building Excellence through Service and Teamwork) is launched and led by hospital employees.
2003 - Sports medicine becomes a new focus for the hospital and its podiatric surgeons.
2003 - The Chelsea Health Center celebrates 50 years.
2004 - For the fifth consecutive year, Gifford Medical Center meets or exceeds its operating budget.
2004 - The hospital completes its three-year centennial celebration.
2004 - Implementation of a fully integrated information system is completed, allowing increased electronic documentation and access to inpatient records.