Red Bay Hospital

 

Red Bay, Alabama, while a small town, has been fortunate to have its own hospital serving the community for several decades. The establishment of Red Bay Hospital in 1967 marked a significant milestone for the healthcare needs of the residents of Red Bay and the surrounding areas.

The hospital's founding was greatly aided by the instrumental efforts of Dr. Walker Dempsey, who served the Red Bay area for 40 years before his retirement in 1989. His dedication to bringing quality healthcare closer to home for local citizens was a driving force behind the hospital's creation. In his honor, the Dr. Walker Dempsey Hospital Foundation, Inc. was developed in 1997, continuing the legacy he began.

Throughout its history, Red Bay Hospital has strived to be an integral part of the community's well-being. It offers a range of services, including a 24/7 emergency room, a Wellcare Center (functioning much like a fitness center with modern exercise and rehabilitative equipment), a licensed laboratory, and imaging services (bone density, CT, digital mammography, Echo, High Field MRI, ultrasound, and X-ray). A unique service offered is its Swing Bed Program, which allows the hospital to convert a hospital bed to a long-term care bed for patients not quite ready to return home or to a long-term care facility.

In recent years, Red Bay Hospital has become affiliated with Helen Keller Hospital, which itself has a long history dating back to 1921 when it was known as Colbert County Hospital in Sheffield. Helen Keller Hospital is now part of the Huntsville Hospital Health System, a large not-for-profit system that has expanded its reach across North Alabama and into Southern Tennessee, providing support and resources to smaller community hospitals like Red Bay Hospital. This affiliation helps Red Bay Hospital to continue providing cost-effective care and access for all in need, ensuring its viability and continued service to the community.

In 2017, Red Bay Hospital celebrated its 50th anniversary, a testament to its enduring presence and the community's support, even through challenging times when many rural hospitals faced closure. The hospital's continued operation is a source of pride and a vital resource for the Red Bay area.