The History of Thomas Hospital

In the early 1950s, a small group of people decided to do whatever it would take to build a healthcare facility to serve the residents of the Eastern Shore and Baldwin County. Their vision became reality. Thomas Hospital was born.

Today, an even larger group of people is working everyday to build on that vision by improving the existing services and adding new services as the growing population demands. That group, made up of the medical staff, hospital staff, and community volunteers, are as dedicated today as that small group of people in the early 1950s.

The name Thomas Hospital honors the family of Mrs. Georganna Thomas Ives, who donated eight acres of family property to the Eastern Shore Hospital Board for the construction of the area's first hospital. The hospital opened Sept. 6, 1960, as an acute-care, non-profit, community hospital with 36 beds and eight physicians, all general practitioners.

Thomas Hospital is an integral part of Baldwin County today. In addition to providing medical and diagnostic services, the hospital staff and 200-plus physicians on the medical staff are committed to promoting good health in the community through health education and wellness programs. Thomas Hospital also provides a significant amount of charity care and supports local organizations and schools.

Thomas Hospital currently employs more than 1,100 people and has a volunteer Auxiliary of 400-plus members. Through employment and the purchase of goods and services, the hospital plays a significant role in the Baldwin County economy.
Thomas Hospital is dedicated to providing the best possible healthcare locally, and at reasonable costs. The hospital's Board of Directors, physicians, staff, and volunteers all strive to maintain the hospital's reputation for providing quality patient care and compassion in a friendly, hometown environment.