Who We Are
About Prairie Ridge Health
Exceptional healthcare, inspired by you.
Guiding You Down the Path Toward Wellness
Building caring relationships is at the heart of what we do at Prairie Ridge Health. Since 1907, we’ve provided high-quality healthcare services to our community. Our team of highly trained medical professionals is dedicated to providing personalized patient-centered care to meet each individual’s unique needs.
Foundation
The Prairie Ridge Foundation is dedicated to supporting the mission and vision of Prairie Ridge Health by working with generous donors to provide essential funding for healthcare services and programs. Click below to explore this year’s fundraising efforts.
Learn More & DonateLeadership Team
Meet the leadership team committed to providing high-quality healthcare to the communities they serve.
Meet the TeamEvents
Throughout the year, we host a variety of events that offer vital support for the organization and allow us to continue providing exceptional healthcare services to the community.
See EventsCareers
We’re dedicated to providing exceptional healthcare services to our community, and we believe that our employees are the key to our success.
Join Our TeamScholarships
We’re proud to offer a variety of scholarships for those interested in pursuing careers in healthcare.
See ScholarshipsVolunteer
Make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while gaining valuable experience and meeting new people.
Volunteer OpportunitiesOur Mission, Vision and Values
Mission: By building caring relationships with those we serve, we guide the journey to health and wellness.
Vision: Our team will be your preferred choice for personalized high quality health CARE, wellness and education provided in a compassionate and innovative environment.
Values:
C – Communication and Listening – Effective communication and active listening result in understanding.
A – Attitude – A positive and honest attitude produces a pleasant atmosphere.
R – Respect and Teamwork – Respect for ourselves and others fosters teamwork.
E – Empathy and Compassion – Awareness of the emotional and physical needs of others creates empathy and compassion.
Our History
Founded in 1907 the Governor J.T. Lewis Homestead was purchased to use as a 15-bed facility located on West James Street in Columbus, started by Dr. B. Bellack of Columbus, Dr. M. Meacher, a Portage surgeon, and Mrs. Catherine Chadbourn.
The hospital was sold to the Sisters of Divine Savior in 1913 and then operated under the name of St. Mary’s Hospital.
In 1920, the Governor’s house was torn down and replaced by a three-story building with an adjoining chapel. In 1956, an addition was added.
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1970
On October 1, the hospital was purchased by members of the community, and Columbus Community Hospital, Inc. was formed. The hospital grew to a 70-bed facility serving Columbus residents, as well as the area and communities surrounding it.
1976
It became apparent that a more modern facility was needed and plans were made for the construction of a new 68-bed hospital.
1979
The new hospital located at 1515 Park Avenue, Columbus, was officially opened on January 24, 1979.
1985
On September 30, the Board of Directors formed an affiliation with Methodist Health Services/Jackson Clinic of Madison upon their merger with Madison General Hospital, Meriter Health Services, Inc/Physicians Plus. The affiliation was discontinued in April of 2000.
1996
A major expansion was initiated, providing newly remodeled facilities for ambulatory surgery, rehabilitation services, and support services. The addition also connected the physician’s office facilities with the hospital, enhancing patient convenience and efficiency.
2002
In May; Columbus Community Hospital signed an affiliation agreement with SSM Health in Wisconsin, which provided SSMH with a minority interest in CCH.
2003
Columbus Community Hospital broke ground for two building additions, a new clinic and an Emergency Room.
2004
A new clinic opened in May and the Emergency Room was completed in April. In July, CCH became licensed for 25 beds as a Critical Access Hospital. The hospital grew to approximately 240 employees and over 50 active, consulting, courtesy, and ER physicians on staff. A group of about 100 volunteers provide valuable services to the hospital in a variety of areas. Philanthropic support is provided through the Columbus Community Hospital Foundation.
2006
Remodeling of the Medical Imaging Department, the Volunteers of CCH Gift Shoppe, and the addition of a three-car length, two-car width drop-off canopy was completed. Construction of the new fourth floor began in October 2006.
2007
The remodeling of the hospital’s first floor continued with the addition of a chapel and updating of the registration area, the Rehabilitation Department, and the Laboratory. Inpatient services include an intensive care unit, obstetrics (Women & Childbirth Services), medical/surgical care, and a swing bed or long-term care service. Diagnostic services include Medical Imaging (CT Scanning, Ultrasound, Mammography, Radiography, Nuclear Medicine, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Clinical Laboratory, Respiratory Therapy, and Electrocardiography (EKG and Echocardiography). Rehabilitation Services include Physical, Occupational, Speech, and Hearing Therapy, as well as Cardiac Rehabilitation.
2010
Phase III of the five-phase construction and remodeling plan began in November 2010. The project included the remodeling and expansion of the following areas: Women’s and Childbirth Services, Sleep Lab, Pharmacy, Swing Bed Services, Respiratory Therapy, EKG, and Occupational Health Services. The project was completed in December 2011.
2014
In April, CCH opened the Prairie Ridge Health Clinic at two locations (Beaver Dam and Columbus) The clinics provide surgical services and orthopedic services. On June 10, CCH broke ground for a two-story, 35,000-square-foot surgery center addition to be built onto the southwest side of the hospital. The expansion also included remodeling of the registration area, coffee shop, gift shop, medical imaging waiting area, and clinic areas, providing a “main street” connection to hospital services and clinics on the campus.
2015
In August, CCH opened the new surgical services addition and main street entrance and added the specialty of Internal Medicine to the Prairie Ridge Health Clinic Columbus location.
2017
On January 9, CCH opened the third Prairie Ridge Health Clinic location in Marshall, WI providing family practice services. CCH also expanded the Prairie Ridge Health Clinic services to include OB/GYN within the Columbus location and Diabetic Education within the Columbus and Beaver Dam locations.
2019
The hospital and clinics have significantly grown over recent years. It is because of your loyal support that the number of people we serve, our facility, services, and team – all have grown. As we continue to expand, our name needs to convey who we are. Therefore, on October 1, 2019, Columbus Community Hospital and Prairie Ridge Health Clinic officially became known as Prairie Ridge Health.
This new name, Prairie Ridge Health, spans the region, allowing everyone we serve to feel that we are their hospital. The only change was the name. There was no change in insurances accepted, jobs, or affiliations.
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News
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