History
The first hospital in Hale County was a private facility established in a residence by Dr. J.V. Guyton in 1912. The Guyton-Nichols Sanitarium was established the following year when Guyton formed a partnership with Dr. E.O. Nichols and together they built a 12-room hospital in the 800 block of West 8th Street. The two-story and basement structure was called the Plainview Sanitarium.
In 1915, Nichols purchased Guyton's half interest and two years later he sold one-half interest to Dr. J. L. Guest. The Sanitarium was enlarged to 35 rooms, and an X-ray machine was installed. Nichols and Guest continued this partnership until 1929 when Nichols purchased Dr. Guest's interest. The hospital was enlarged to 50 rooms, and the name was changed to Plainview Hospital and Clinic.
During the 25 years, the hospital had six additions, and grew to more than 150 beds. By 1940, the hospital had three surgeons; an internist; an ear, nose and throat specialist; gynecologist, and a dentist. A pediatrician was added the next year.
A West Texas first for the hospital was the installation of a piping system for
oxygen from the basement. Another first for West Texas was the addition of a
Neuro-Psychiatric Department.
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