HISTORY & FUTURE OF LRGHEALTHCARE

Lakes Region General Hospital

Laconia’s first hospital was founded in 1893 with a $6,175 bequeath from Rhoda Ladd’s estate. Recognizing the need for a hospital facility, the town of Laconia raised the additional funding needed, and opened the
Cottage Hospital on Court Street. The goal was to provide quality care
for those in need, regardless of their ability to pay. The hospital cared
for 11 patients in the first year it was open.

In 1908, it was clear that community need for the hospital had
outgrown the Court Street location, and a new hospital was opened at
the present site on Highland Street. The facility was renamed Laconia Hospital, and over the years, it grew to accommodate the needs of residents of Laconia and beyond. In 1967, as a reflection of the growing reach of the hospital’s care, the name was changed to Lakes Region General Hospital (LRGH).

Franklin Regional Hospital

In the early 1900’s residents of the neighboring community of Franklin also recognized the need for a hospital facility. The Ladies’ Hospital Aid Society was formed, with similar goals of providing the town with medical supplies and at-home nursing care.

After nine years of community service, they were offered the Aiken Homestead at a dramatically reduced price of $14,500, and the new Franklin Hospital Association was formed. Local resident Sally Proctor made a sizable bequest, and with that gift, along with support from other community members, Franklin Regional Hospital (FRH) was born. FRH opened its doors on New Year’s Day 1910.

LRGHealthcare

In 2002, LRGH and FRH merged to become LRGHealthcare.

Today, LRGHealthcare is the parent company of LRGH, FRH, Affiliated Medical Providers, HealthLink, Community Wellness Centers in Laconia and Center Harbor, Occupational Health and Rehabilitation Services, the Dental Resource Center, the Holistic Health Center and several other community-based health initiatives.

This comprehensive health system is designed to respond to the changing health and wellness needs of the individuals and families of the Lakes and Three Rivers Region. Rhoda and Sally’s vision of more than 100 years ago remains at the heart of LRGHealthcare today: making quality healthcare available, accessible, and affordable to all in our community.

Investing in Your Future

Lakes Region General Hospital Addition - Anticipated Opening: Late 2011

This 97,000 square foot patient care addition at the LRGH campus will add 15 Intensive Care Unit beds, 5 step down beds, a 20-bed Elder Care Unit, a new power plant and a renovated and reconfigured lobby. The project will also include the renovation of approximately 2,200 square feet in the existing hospital facility.

Not only will this addition help prepare us to meet the critical care and general healthcare needs of our growing senior population, it will also enable us to transition rooms throughout LRGH to single-room patient care—today’s gold standard for patient privacy and infection control.

“We are very excited about these projects, which will enable us to take a huge step forward in furthering our ability to meet our community’s current and future healthcare needs. We are making this investment in the future of our community healthcare system, and will be looking to our community to help us build the healthcare system we all need for both today and tomorrow. We hope you share our excitement as we look to the future together.” Tom Clairmont, President & CEO, LRGHealthcare

Franklin Regional Hospital Emergency Department
Internal Renovation & Expansion - Anticipated Opening: Winter, 2010 

Staff members in the Emergency Department at FRH treat more than 12,000 patients each year. This internal expansion and renovation will add more than 3,000 square feet of space to the existing department. The project will include the addition of a new triage area, three examination rooms, six observation beds, a decontamination room, and expanded trauma space. These changes will enhance patient flow and allow for direct observation by professional staff.

The New Interlakes Medical Center - Anticipated Opening: Summer, 2010

Conveniently located on Route 3, this new facility promises to be a beautiful new home for Belknap Family Health, which has been providing primary care in the Meredith community for 40 years; as well as LRGHealthcare’s Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Laboratory services that currently occupy the ground floor of the existing building. In addition, the new facility will bring both specialty medical services and medical imaging services to the Meredith community.