Successor to the well-known Olney Sanitarium, Richland Memorial Hospital was completed in May 1953. The first patients were transferred to Richland Memorial Hospital from the Olney Sanitarium on July 16 of that year. The total cost to build and equip the facility was well over two million dollars. It was constructed with the aid of Hill-Burton funds and a bond issue by Richland County. Richland Memorial Hospital originally had 112 beds, as well as 14 newborn bassinets. The first administrator was Stuart A. Short, Sr., who had been the hospital consultant during the construction. Richland Memorial Hospital was owned and governed by the County until 1997.

In February of 1997, the County of Richland entered into a 25-year Hospital Operating Lease Agreement with Richland Memorial Hospital, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation. Richland Memorial Hospital, Inc. has an independent volunteer Board of Directors, composed of local residents with various backgrounds and areas of knowledge. In January 2005, the ownership of the facility was transferred from the County of Richland to the Richland Memorial Hospital, Inc. Board of Directors. Board members of the not-for-profit corporation serve without pay and oversee the operations of the facility, ensuring it will remain available to area residents into the future. The institution is supported by patient service revenues, grants and financial gifts. As approved by public referendum, the Richland Memorial Ambulance Service is supported, in-part, by tax monies in recognition of the ongoing commitment of the Richland County Board to provision of ambulance services for County residents.
Since first opening its doors as a small, acute care facility, Richland Memorial Hospital has grown significantly. Three major additions have been made to the facility over the years, expanding the hospital's array of services. Plans are currently underway for development of a fourth addition, a state-of-the-art Women's Health Center.
Richland Memorial Hospital celebrated the Ribbon Cutting and Open House for the Women’s Health Center and Front Entrance on Sunday, March 2nd. The events were well-attended with approximately 150 people attending the 1:00 speaking program held at Immanuel United Methodist Church, and more than 500 people touring the facility throughout the afternoon.
Pictured above are members of the Hospital Board, Foundation Board, hospital employees, physicians, Auxiliary members and community dignitaries that were present for the ceremony.

Medical Services

* 24-Hour Ambulance Service
* 24-Hour Emergency Facilities
* Cardiac Health and Rehabilitation
* Diagnostic Imaging Services:
1. Bone Densitometry
2. CT Scan
3. Mammography
4. MRI
5. Nuclear Medicine
6. Ultrasound
7. X-Ray
* EKG & Stress Treadmill Testing
* Family Maternity Services (OB/GYN)
* G.I. Lab
* Home Health Care
* Hospice Care
* Intensive Care Unit
* Laboratory Services
* Lithotripsy
* Long Term Care Unit:
1. Extended Care Wing
2. Transitional Care Wing
* Medical/Surgical Unit And more

Contact information:

800 East Locust Street,Olney, IL 62450,Operator (618) 395-2131, Auto (618) 395-7340,Fax (618) 392-3228