The History of OSF Saint Paul Medical Center
OSF Saint Paul Medical Center, formerly Mendota Community Hospital, joined the OSF HealthCare Ministry on April 1, 2015, becoming the 11th OSF hospital.
Today OSF Saint Paul is one of the largest employers in the community with more than 300 employees on staff who are deeply dedicated to serving with the greatest care and love.
The Beginning
1949: The cornerstone for the new Mendota Community Hospital was laid. It was made possible by the donations made by the residents of Mendota and the surrounding communities.
1951: The newly completed $550,000 Mendota Community Hospital was celebrated with a special ceremony and tours.
1950s & 1960s
1954: X-ray equipment was purchased to help fight tuberculosis. Each patient was given an X-ray to help identify TB cases in the community.
1968: A groundbreaking was held for the new $1.2 million addition to Mendota Community Hospital.
1970s & 1980s
1971: The completion of the new addition was celebrated with an open house and tours.
1972: A $1.3 million extensive remodeling project was started, adding 84 more patient beds.
1977: Mendota Community Hospital, Mental Health Center of LaSalle County and its affiliates joined forces to offer alcoholism care at Mendota Community Hospital.
1979: The Mendota Community Hospital Auxiliary offered a “Meals on Wheels” program.
1980: Mendota Community Hospital alcoholism program was studied by researchers from the University of Miami, Florida.
2000s
2000: Mendota Community Hospital became an affiliate of OSF HealthCare System; retaining local control and its own board.
2008: A new Occupational Health and Sports Medicine Clinic was opened.
2009: Construction began for a new one-story hospital on Route 34.
2010s
2011: Mendota Community Hospital moved to the newly completed facility located at 1401 E. 12th St.
2011: Mendota Community Hospital was one of the first area hospitals to implement electronic documentation in the surgical services department, enhancing patient safety and confidentiality.
2014: Mendota Community Hospital signed a letter of intent to join OSF HealthCare System.
2015: OSF Saint Paul Medical Center, previously known as Mendota Community Hospital, was dedicated and blessed.
2019: A blessing and dedication were held for the community garden.
2020s
2020: An OSF Wound Care Clinic opened.
2023: 20th annual “Fore the Hospital” play day held at the Mendota Golf Club.
2025: A blessing was held for the OSF Resilient Healing program.