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Stephen R. Hopper, President and CEO of McDonough District Hospital, has announced he will retire effective Jan. 7, 2011.

Hopper has been the longest serving administrator at MDH, starting in 1985.

He will complete 26 years as the chief executive officer when he leaves. 

“Steve has been dedicated to improving the health care facilities and services at MDH, meeting the standards for accreditation and improving the safety and quality of care for our patients,” said Board Chairman Dr. Donald Dexter. “He provided leadership during numerous renovation projects to update facilities, enhance technology and expand services while maintaining a positive budget. He has remained mindful of the divergent interests of the community, medical staff, hospital staff and governing board as he worked to prepare MDH for the uncertainties we face in the future regarding our national health care system.” 

During his tenure at MDH the hospital has expanded its outpatient services such as Behavioral Health Services, Home Health Care and Hospice; provided health education and screening programs to serve the community; and maintained the hospital’s Cancer program accreditation.

The hospital established a Development Council in 1995 and has raised more than $2 million in private funds to support upgrades in technology and create endowments for programs and services.

Building and facilities renovations were completed in areas such as surgery, intensive care, physical therapy, radiology, and cardiopulmonary.

 In addition to hospital building renovations, other facilities improvements include the construction of Health Services Building 2, the addition of the Larry T. Westervelt Hospitality Home, the acquisition and renovation of the Medical Arts Building and the McDonough Orthopedic Building, the opening of an outpatient rehabilitation center at University Drive and Lafayette Street and placement of a renal dialysis facility on the campus. 

The hospital recently completed improvements to admitting, patient surgical recovery, sleep lab and endoscopy procedure areas; renovation of radiology and the addition of digital mammography.

Underway are the construction of a west stair tower and elevator with expansion of the laboratory.

Contingent on funding, plans call for renovation of the emergency room.

A government, not-for-profit 113-bed hospital, MDH is the third largest employer in McDonough County with more than 550 part-and full-time employees.

According to MDH Board policy, the chairman shall appoint a search committee of at least four board members to recommend the appointment of the new President/CEO.

In addition, the President of the Medical Staff and two past presidents of the Medical Staff shall serve in an advisory capacity.

The search committee shall select an executive recruitment firm to assist in the recruitment of the new President/CEO.