History of Menorah Medical Center

Menorah Medical Center was first known as the Jewish Memorial Hospital and opened its doors to the community on September 7, 1931, filling the need for more and improved hospital facilities in Kansas City following World War I. Construction began on March 24, 1930 and was complete 18 months later at a seven-acre site just south of Brush Creek in Kansas City, Missouri. The total cost of the original hospital was $1,275,000.00 and the total size was 97, 980 square feet. Renamed Menorah Hospital shortly after opening, the new facility quickly established a reputation for quality medical treatment and a caring approach to all who came through its doors.

In 1945, plans were announced for a new addition. In 1951, 124 beds and new technology were opened in a new four-story structure. Along with these improvements, the hospital was renamed Menorah Medical Center to more accurately reflect its position in the community.

A decade later another expansion provided an additional 153 private patient rooms plus expanded ancillary support. The six-story Menorah Tower was a five-year project, which increased patient care capacity 30% to a total of 430 beds. Menorah was growing its capabilities to serve patients and their families more efficiently and with greater comfort.

Menorah continued to grow through the years and eventually extended beyond its walls and opened the first hospital-sponsored health care center of its kind in the country to be located in a major metropolitan enclosed shopping mall offering a complete spectrum of services.

In 1989, 40-acres of land was purchased in south Johnson County with the vision of expanding Menorah’s services in a growing market. On January 1, 1994, Menorah Medical Center became part of Health Midwest, a comprehensive, not-for-profit health delivery system serving the Kansas City metropolitan area and outlying regions. Shortly after, Menorah Medical Center began an exciting transition southward to Johnson County and on October 10, 1996, opened its doors on its new campus located on 40 acres of a beautiful wooded setting with a quiet stream, abundant foliage and beautiful butterfly gardens.

In 2003, Menorah Medical Center became part of the HCA Family. HCA is the nation's largest for-profit hospital chain.

"Through the years, Menorah Medical Center's growth and accomplishments have been directly related to the dedicated supporters, staff, physicians, board members and volunteers who have unselfishly given their time and talent to what they believe in," said Steve Wilkinson, President and CEO of Menorah Medical Center. "I believe that as we continue to be challenged by the healthcare demands of a growing population, we will continue providing comfort, understanding and above all, the medical expertise to deal with our patients and carry on the tradition of quality healthcare that began 78 years ago."