History

We have been serving the medical needs of people in Sandstone and surrounding areas for more than 50 years. It all began because the citizens of Pine County wanted a hospital close to home. At that time, the hospital was owned by Pine County.

Although now an affiliate of SMDC Health System, we continue to be a medical center for the Pine County community. The nearest hospital is 40 miles from Sandstone.

These are some of our historical highlights:

June 30, 1956: 27-bed Pine County Memorial Hospital dedicated.

Early 1960s: Hospital license expanded to 30 beds.

1962: 46-bed nursing home built.

1977: Facilities renamed Sandstone Area Hospital and Nursing Home.

1984: New nursing home wing built, connecting it to the hospital. Emergency room and intensive care unit, nursery and birthing room in hospital refurbished. 

1989: Renamed North Pine Area Hospital.

1997: SMDC Health System enters 30-year lease and takes over operations.

2006: Pine Medical Center celebrates 50 years.

2009: Earns Level IV trauma designation from Minnesota Department of Health's Statewide Trauma System.