Broadlawns Medical Center history

In 1925, a wing with 40 beds was added to the hospital.

In 1943, the new building was opened, having been built during World War II.

In 1945, a committee of the Polk County Medical Society saw the need for care for the mentally ill and urged the hospital’s trustees to look into this concern.

The need for adolescent mental health services led to another expansion and space for 16 beds was added in 1970.

In 1974, the Polk County Board of Supervisors approved the development of a community-based mental health system, and a major hospital addition, the Sidney L. Sands Center, was constructed.

In July 1979, the name Broadlawns Polk County Hospital was changed to the hospital's current name, Broadlawns Medical Center.

In 2008, a $30 million master site and facilities plan was developed.

In 2009, five additional acute care mental health beds were added to the inpatient behavioral health unit.

The Broadlawns Medical Center site and facilities plan realized the completion of the first phases of the expansion and modernization in 2010.

On February 21, 2011, a new main entrance to Broadlawns opened featuring a welcoming covered awning.

In 2014, Broadlawns Medical Center celebrated its 90th Anniversary.

In August 2016, a new three-story residency housing unit opened on the eastern-most portion of the property.

In March 2017, the 72,000 square foot Broadlawns Medical Plaza opened to the public.

In June 2018, Broadlawns opened the first psychiatric urgent care in the state of Iowa to accommodate greater access for patients experiencing an exacerbated mental health condition.

In October 2019, renovation and expansion of the Oncology and Hematology Center was completed, providing modernized facilities for cancer patients.

In August 2020, construction of the 41,900 square foot addition to the Sands inpatient hospital was completed.

The lab is being updated with an estimated completion date of Winter 2021.