For a long time, East Chicago was a city without a hospital. Settled in the early 1890's, the idea of building a hospital didn't become reality until 1928. Heavily populated with industry, leaders at the time realized that injured workers would travel a long way to the nearest hospital. So, the Manufacturers Association of East Chicago appointed a committee to investigate the possibility of erecting a hospital. However, very soon the idea of a medical facility in East Chicago grew beyond the emergency needs of manufacturers and would be described by its planners as "an institution not only to take care of the plant accidents, but be a community hospital open to all persons regardless of race, creed or color." On May 17, 1928, the hospital opened its doors thanks to a dream realized through a successful partnership between the Manufacturers Association of East Chicago and the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ (the Ancilla Domini Sisters). Many "first ever" procedures were performed at St. Catherine Hospital due to successful collaboration between doctors, nurses, staff and the community. In 2001, St. Catherine Hospital became a member of the Community Healthcare System, ending the involvement of the Ancilla Domini Sisters although still maintaining its Catholic traditions. The hospital continues to uphold its founding commitments to the community, providing compassionate care to all who come through its doors. A strong record of excellence continues today as St. Catherine Hospital has been recognized nationally for providing the highest quality care to its patients. For the past three years, St. Catherine Hospital has received HealthGrades® Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence.TM This award identifies hospitals in the top five percent in the nation in terms of mortality and complication rates across 27 procedures and diagnoses, from bypass surgery to hip-replacement surgery. St. Catherine Hospital has also been recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as one of 38 top performing hospitals in the country for the treatment of heart failure. After 80 years…the best care for your family is still right here at home.