About Us

History of VGH

"I have affection for Vinton and its people because most of the years of my life were spent in it and among its people. They were my happiest years. For these reasons, I have made this provision for a hospital in Vinton. It shall be known and designated as the Virginia Gay Hospital."

~ Virginia Gay

With those few words the lives of thousands were forever changed.

Virginia Gay would be proud to see how her selfless act, and her vision, has been transformed into the comprehensive healthcare network that Vinton residents enjoy today. From its humble beginning in 1923, Virginia Gay Hospital has provided quality healthcare to the residents of Benton County, Iowa while keeping a watchful eye on current trends and the future of medical care.

With a focus on the future, Virginia Gay Hospital has undergone major expansions, both in physical facilities and in levels of care. In 1974, three local physicians, Dr. G.A. Fry, Dr. D.C. Weideman and Dr. Tony Anthony, recognized the positive impact a local medical facility could have in rural communities. As a result they established the Van Horne Family Medical Clinic and the Vinton Family Medical Clinic.

From the beginning, Virginia Gay Hospital has benefitted from the support of the people of Vinton. In 1994 the Virginia Gay Hospital Healthcare Foundation sponsored the "Investment in our Future Campaign." The campaign raised $1.2 million dollars in donations which was used to expand and completely remodel Virginia Gay Hospital’s Nursing and Rehab long term care facility.

From the beginning, Virginia Gay Hospital has benefitted from the support of the people of Vinton. In 1994 the Virginia Gay Hospital Healthcare Foundation sponsored the "Investment in our Future Campaign." The campaign raised $1.2 million dollars in donations which was used to expand and completely remodel Virginia Gay Hospital’s Nursing and Rehab long term care facility.

1999 brought the expansion of the Van Horne Family Medical Clinic. The clinic nearly doubled in size to 4,200 square feet. It is staffed by Rita Taylor-Stewart, PA-C, two nurses and two reception staff.

Shortly after the Van Horne clinic was expanded, plans were developed for a new clinic in the city of Urbana. In yet another demonstration of community support, the Elwick family and Kvastad Farms donated the land for the building site, and construction began. In 2002 the Urbana Family Medical Clinic opened its doors. The clinic is staffed by Michele Burnes, PA-C, two nurses and two reception staff.

In 2004 a $2.5 million expansion project was completed on the flagship of the three clinics, the Vinton Family Medical Clinic. The expansion included increased patient file storage, an enlarged lab and business office area, a larger, more comfortable waiting area, and more efficient usage of the examination area. Vinton Family Medical Clinic is staffed by nine full time medical providers. Most recently, Dr. Maggie Mangold joined the staff in July of 2010. The three clinics receive a combined total of 37,000 visits each year.

Virginia Gay Hospital is nearing completion of its most extensive expansion thus far. Of the $8 million project cost, $2.5 million was raised from the community through the hospital’s “Commitment to Caring Campaign” headed by Hospital Administrator Mike Riege. Highlights of the expansion include doubling the size of the Emergency Room, quadrupling the size of Therapy Services, total remodeling of the Ambulatory Surgery and Acute Care area, and adding private patient rooms complete with private showers in all rooms. Nearly every department in the hospital has been remodeled to create a more comfortable healing environment. The entire project is scheduled for completion in September of 2010.

In addition to the nine Family Medicine providers at Vinton Family Medical Clinic, Virginia Gay Hospital and Clinics offers 13 specialty clinics in the following areas: Orthopedics, Cardiology, Oncology, Neurology, Endocrinology, Nephrology, OBGYN, ENT, Podiatry, Psychiatry, Pulmonology, Urology, and General Surgery. By combining the medical providers with the specialty clinics, Virginia Gay Hospital and Clinics provides Benton County residents convenient access to over 40 doctors in 13 different specialty areas without ever needing to leave the Vinton city limits.

In 1974, three local physicians, Dr. G.A. Fry, Dr. D.C. Weideman and Dr. Tony Anthony, recognized the positive impact a local medical facility could have in rural communities. As a result they established the Van Horne Family Medical Clinic and the Vinton Family Medical Clinic.

1999 brought the expansion of the Van Horne Family Medical Clinic. The clinic is staffed by Rita Taylor-Stewart, PA-C, two nurses and two reception staff.

Shortly after the Van Horne clinic was expanded, plans were developed for a new clinic in the city of Urbana. The Elwick family and Kvastad Farms donated the land for the building site, and construction began. In 2002 the Urbana Family Medical Clinic opened its doors. The clinic is staffed by Michele Burnes, PA-C, two nurses and two reception staff.

In 2004 a $2.5 million dollar expansion project was completed on the flagship of the three clinics, the Vinton Family Medical Clinic. The expansion included increased patient file storage, an enlarged lab and business office area, a larger, more comfortable waiting area, and more efficient usage of the examination area. Vinton Family Medical Clinic is staffed by 9 full time medical providers. The newest provider, Dr. Maggie Mangold came on staff in July of 2010. In 2009, the three clinics served a combined total of 37,000 patients.