As an independent, nonprofit healthcare system, Oswego Health was founded in 1881 when a group of community-minded residents gathered for the specific purpose of starting a hospital. A look back to the initial board minutes reveals that the founders had concerns, not unlike those in healthcare today.
They wanted to provide care to all residents, regardless of income and other factors. They desired a location that people could easily access and, of course, wanted their facility to have the best physicians and most modern technology.
Since that initial hospital meeting 140+ years ago, the organization has evolved into the Oswego Health system, which has become both a pillar and an economic engine of the community. In fact, in 2023 our economic impact on the area was a significant $273 million, which helps keep our community viable.
Part of Oswego Health's growth into a successful health system included recognizing the importance of expanding local senior services. One initiative is The Manor at Seneca Hill, which provides 24-hour skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Our second initiative, Springside at Seneca Hill, allows seniors to enjoy a carefree, easy lifestyle in a premier retirement community.
Through the years as our community changed, so did the health system. In 2006, Oswego Health introduced a completely new service to Oswego County: urgent care services. As Fulton's A.L. Lee Memorial Hospital closed, the New York State Department of Health turned to Oswego Health, providing more than $22 million in state funds, to support a major renovation project leading to the opening of Fulton Medical Center in 2011.
A year later, the health system was recognized as Oswego County's healthcare leader when the state Health Department turned to Oswego Health once again to develop services in Central Square. After yet another major construction project, we unveiled the Central Square Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab and medical imaging services.
Just as physicians were embracing a new business model, Oswego Health was proactive and developed Oswego Health Medical Practice, a multi-specialty medical group offering the community accessible, high-quality medical care, including, cardiology,bariatrics, ENT, general surgery, orthopedics, gastroenterology, urology and primary care.
At the start of 2021, Oswego Health completed the construction of a 42,000-square-foot behavioral health services facility at the former Oswego Price Chopper building. The new Lobdell Center for Mental Health & Wellness at Lakeview is transforming the way mental health and wellness services are delivered as we integrate primary care services and construct a facility offering many patient comforts. We believe that our new site will likely become a model for similar facilities across the country.
By the end of 2021, renovations to our hospital's third and fourth floors were complete and now offer private rooms, with a hotel-like feel. While the staff already provides exceptional care, our new medical/surgical floors reduce the chance of infection and promote a quicker recovery.
Oswego Health has always been at the forefront of adding services needed by our community since 1881, ensuring the best care is available locally. Just as it has for the past 144 years, the health system will continue to develop innovative and high-quality programs that improve the health of area residents.