History
In 1909, Alice and Caroline Graham gifted the original structure of the hospital to the community. It was their belief that a hospital was needed to better serve the Canton community. Since then, Graham Hospital has continually grown into the progressive, comprehensive Health System we know today.
The last 100 plus years have included, - many renovations, building additions and new construction to keep the promise that Graham was founded on, “Quality Care for All”.
In 2021, an era in which there are very few independent community hospitals remaining, Graham Health System remains a strongly independent Health System serving patients throughout Central and Western Illinois, with operations in four counties: Fulton, Mason, Knox, and Peoria.
Highlights from the history and growth of Graham
1905
A charter was written for the governing Board of Trustees outlining the organizational structure and the foundation for provisions.
1907
Construction began on Graham Hospital and a Training School for Nurses.
1908
The Cornerstone was laid and may still be seen in our Cornerstone Cafe.
1909
With the significant need for healthcare, the first facility opened. Nurses where brought in from larger cities in order to staff the new hospital.
1910
The first operation ever performed in the new Hospital was by Dr. H.H. Rogers.
1925
The first expansion project began, erecting a wing to the east of and adjoining to the main building.
1931
Mrs. Signa C. Thomas, a nurse, was appointed the first Administrator of the hospital.
1939
Due to overcrowding, another expansion project began increasing the number of beds from 60 to 118.
1959
A new east wing addition was erected increasing the number of beds to 135. The original building and the 1925 wing were both modernized.
1959
Mrs. Signa C. Thomas retired as the Administrator, making way for the hiring of Mr. Kenneth Etcheson as the new Administrator.
1968
Once again an expansion was necessary in order to make way for an additional 92 patient beds. The number of beds was now increased to 213. This addition now houses our Medical Surgical Unit.
1975
A three story expansion project began that would house a new laboratory, surgery and maternity suites as well as the addition new mechanical spaces and linen quarters.
1977
In 1977 expansion was completed.
1983
The new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) opened.
1990
Mr. Ray Slabaugh becomes the Administrator.
1999
Graham Hospital buys the assets of Coleman Clinic, Ltd., and contracts with the Coleman Physicians to staff all Graham Medical Group Clinics.
The 2000’s have been a significant time of growth, bringing expansion and innovation to OUR community. Graham invests over $86 million dollars into our facilities over the next 16 years. These investments allow us to bring new treatments and advanced technology in order to better serve our community.
2005
Another addition was completed that now houses the Emergency Department and Administration offices.
2006
New President & CEO Robert G. Senneff joins Graham.
2007
Graham initiates a 10 year Facility Master Plan wherein the entire Medical Surgical Unit, Post Cardiac Unit, Intensive Care Unit, and Obstetrical Unit will all see complete demolition/rebuild. Mechanical systems are upgraded throughout, and overhead patient lifts are added to all Inpatient rooms.
2010
Construction of a 68,000 Sq. Ft. four story medical building to house both primary care and specialty care physicians and Advanced Practice Providers is completed and the Grand Opening of Graham Medical Group – Canton takes place.
2011
Construction is completed on a new 6,600 Sq. Ft. building and the Grand Opening of Graham Medical Group – Farmington takes place.
2014
Construction is completed on a new 5,600 Sq. Ft. building and the Grand Opening of Graham Medical Group – Lewistown takes place.
2015
To further meet the needs of the community, an additional 34,000 Sq. Ft., two-story addition is added to Graham Medical Group building in Canton. New space is available to house Convenient Care (7 day a week urgent care facility), as well as Rehabilitation Services (Physical, Occupational and Speech & Language Therapy), Aquatic Therapy and Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation. More specialty physician care is added to bring new medical and physician services to Canton.
2019
Construction completed on a new medical group building bringing healthcare services to Elmwood. Graham Medical Group – Elmwood Grand Opening takes place.
2019
Construction completed on a 4000 Sq. Ft. addition and a 17,000 Sq. Ft. renovation of the new Graham Surgery Center. This addition and remodel changed the face of the hospital and modernized the Surgical Department with new state-of-the-art technology.
2020
Graham purchases ROSA and Davinci surgical robots for orthopedic and general surgery respectively. These state-of-the-art robots help our surgeons enhance the care they deliver, while allowing patients to heal faster.
2020
Graham Medical Group leases a former OSF Medical Office Building and expands into Williamsfield.
2021
The 1925 and 1959 buildings are renovated to house our Nursing Home, Pharmacy and expand the Graham Hospital School of Nursing.
2021
The 1925, 1959, 1968, 1977 and 1983 Graham Hospital Campus Buildings receive new windows and new exteriors with the application of an Exterior Insulation and Finish System applied over the aging brick facade, sealing the building envelope.
2022
The Lewistown Clinic expands to meet the growing needs of the community. Expansion of the Intensive Care Unit begins, adding four additional rooms.
Seeing the growing need for patient centered healthcare in Central and Western Illinois, Graham Medical Group adds clinics in Macomb and Galesburg.
Seeing the growing need for patient centered healthcare in Central and Western Illinois, Graham Medical Group adds clinics in Macomb and Galesburg.
Today, Graham Health System, which once began as Graham Hospital,
continues the commitment to provide “Quality Care for All”.
How We are Serving You:
I would like to share my experience with the Rehabilitation Department at Graham. On three prior occasions I have participated in the Graham rehab program and I find the staff to be knowledgeable, skilled, kind, patient-centered, professional, gentle, caring and attentive to patients needs strengths and abilities.Linda J. Kersh
I felt empowered to be part of the therapeutic process. I am beyond words in expressing my gratitude.