Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center Celebrates 100th Anniversary

1/20/2025

Providing a full complement of services to the community

POPLAR BLUFF, MO – In 2025, Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center will celebrate its 100th anniversary of providing safe, quality care to the community. What started as a 25-bed hospital has grown to become a 410-licensed-bed facility across two campuses, including five rural health clinics, four outpatient rehabilitation centers, and a cancer center. Plus, the nine specialty clinics of PBRMC’s affiliated medical group, Regional Physician Services.

Designed from the ground up for patient comfort and convenience, Lucy Lee Hospital was the first hospital in Poplar Bluff to open on August 19, 1925. In the first fifty years, additional beds were added alongside an outpatient department, an x-ray department, a clinical laboratory, an emergency room, and a clinic building.

Today, the hospital has undergone several expansions, offering more services close to home. It now has 11 operating rooms, robotic surgery, 46 critical care beds, a wound healing and hyperbaric center, a 24-hour Emergency Department, and many additional services. It’s also designated as a Primary Stroke Center, accredited Chest Pain Center and Cath Lab, providing more extensive on-site diagnostic and interventional cardiology services.

While the hospital's name has changed over the years, the continuation of care and the addition of services for the community have remained the same.

“As we celebrate 100 years of serving Poplar Bluff and the surrounding region, we are proud of the incredible journey that has brought us to where we are today,” said Poplar Bluff Regional’s CEO, Clyde Wood. “From the beginning, it is the strength of our employees and physicians working together that have supported our ability to grow and care for patients with a range of specialized services. We have continually evolved to meet the needs of our community. Our mission has always been to provide safe, high-quality care close to home, and we remain committed to advancing healthcare in Southeast Missouri for generations to come.”

Phil Santie, who served on the hospital board for more than three decades, said, “I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable growth and transformation of Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. As we celebrate 100 years, reflecting on how far we’ve come—from a small hospital to a regional healthcare provider with multiple facilities and services is inspiring. This milestone is a testament to our staff's dedication, community support, and shared commitment to delivering quality care. I’m honored to have played a part in this legacy and look forward to seeing the hospital continue to thrive for many years.”

As part of the centennial celebration, Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center will be sharing announcements and historical highlights throughout the year on social media channels. The hospital is also seeking stories from former staff members, physicians and patients who have been part of the journey over the past 100 years. If you would like to share your memorable experiences or success stories, please contact the marketing department at 573-776-9356 or email community@pbrmc.com. PBRMC looks forward to highlighting the people and moments that have shaped the hospital’s history and celebrating this milestone together.

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