OUR HISTORY:

Saint John’s Health System, in Anderson, was founded in 1894 when businessman John Hickey donated his house and land to the Sisters of the Holy Cross for the establishment of a hospital.  The Sisters of the Holy Cross had cared for Mr. Hickey’s wife in the couple’s home during her final months.  The couple requested that some part of their property be dedicated to the welfare of Anderson residents.

The hospital was named Saint John’s to honor John the Evangelist, known as the Apostle of Charity.  The first patients were actually cared for in the remodeled house by seven Sisters, who handled every detail of patient care.  Without modern conveniences, they cooked, cleaned, milked cows, grew their own food and provided patient care. 

A three-story brick building was opened in 1900 and would be the hospital’s main building for 43 years.  Major expansions were added in 1944 and 1968.  A comprehensive outpatient center was opened in 1995.  

From its beginning in a simple farm house with eight beds, Saint John’s has grown into a major, comprehensive, fully-diversified health care organization, providing a full range of quality health care services to the greater Madison County, Indiana area.  Saint John's is particularly well known for cancer care, behavioral health, rehabilitation services, and surgical/medical services.

Saint John’s became a ministry of St.Vincent Health in 2003.