DALLAS – There's a lot of excitement around the halls of the Methodist Charlton Medical Center right now.
Its rich history in Southwestern Dallas is the big reason.
"When we opened up 40 years ago, we were a small hospital, almost a small rural hospital," said Fran Laukatis, president of Methodist Charlton. "Today, we are a metropolitan medical center."
Annie Jones, a long-time licensed vocational nurse, says she has cared for her fair share of patients at the hospital over the decades.
"Just too many to count," she said.
Jones has been working for Methodist systems for 54 years. Three of those decades have been at Methodist Charlton.
"It's been a real comfort for people that are in the neighborhood and in the surrounding area to be able to come here instead of having to travel way across town to get help," she said.
Back in 1975, Methodist Charlton opened its doors to serve residents from communities like Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Lancaster, South Oak Cliff, and others that were growing in Southern Dallas County.
The facility has grown from an 84-bed hospital to a nearly-300 bed medical center.
Dr. Michael Finch is a physician and Methodist Charlton's chief medical officer. He grew up in Southern Dallas. He says the staff stays busy treating some common issues in the community.
"Hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol are at the top of the scope," Finch explained.
Workers say Methodist Charlton has successfully worked through some challenges in the health care industry over the years.
The medical center has gained positive attention, adding surgical robots, an accredited stroke center, and a heart attack center, among other things.
"I was here 37 minutes and blood flow was restored," said Richard Borders, Sr., who spent time at the hospital as a patient when he suffered a heart attack. He credits the hospital for saving his life.
Borders describes Methodist Charlton Medical Center as a game changer over 40 years.
"I am great," he said. "I am doing fine because of the care I received."
The staff at Methodist Charlton is planning a variety of programs to celebrate the hospital's 40th anniversary, including a red carpet event Thursday evening.
