Our History
Originally Founded in 1918
1918 – 1970
North Canyon Medical Center began as Gooding Hospital, opening in November 1918 amid the devastating Spanish Flu pandemic. At the time, Gooding was a small western community experiencing an unprecedented public health crisis. The opening of the hospital was both urgent and essential, providing critical care when no other nearby facilities were available.
Constructed at a cost of $16,000, the original three-story hospital included 16 patient rooms. Due to the rapid spread of the Spanish Flu and a surge in critically ill residents, the hospital opened before construction was complete. Only one floor was operational at the time, but it was immediately opened to care for flu patients while workers finished the remaining levels.
Over the next five decades, the hospital experienced multiple changes in ownership and funding, including community-supported initiatives such as revenue generated from local slot machines. The facility also underwent structural modifications to adapt to advancements in healthcare and the needs of a growing population.
The original hospital remained in operation until 1970, when healthcare services were relocated to a new facility on Montana Street. The original building stood vacant until 1975, when it was demolished to make way for new commercial development.
1970 – 2010
In November 1970, approximately 800 community members gathered, despite cold winter conditions, for the dedication of the new hospital, renamed Gooding County Memorial Hospital. The facility was constructed at a cost of approximately $800,000, with $550,000 funded through a taxpayer-approved bond that passed by a substantial majority. The remaining funds were secured through Hill-Burton federal funding.
The Montana Street hospital served the Gooding community for the next 40 years. In March 2010, it closed following the opening of a new, state-of-the-art hospital at the south end of town. While the Montana Street building still exists today and is privately owned, it no longer provides healthcare services.
2010 – Current
In March 2010, the hospital officially relocated to its current location and adopted the name North Canyon Medical Center, marking a new era of expanded services and modernized care. After many years operating as a Taxing District Hospital, the Board of Directors made the strategic decision to pursue dissolution of the Taxing District. This proposal was presented to the voters of Gooding County and was formally approved on May 15, 2018.
The dissolution allowed North Canyon to expand beyond county boundaries and extend services throughout the Magic Valley. In 2019, North Canyon opened a family medicine clinic in Buhl and an orthopedic clinic in Twin Falls. Growth continued in 2020 with the opening of a family medicine clinic in Jerome, followed by the purchase of a spine clinic in Hailey in 2021. In 2022, North Canyon Cosmetic Surgery opened in Twin Falls, expanding access to specialized services.
Since that time, North Canyon has continued to grow and thrive. Building on its orthopedic presence in Twin Falls, North Canyon opened a new Twin Falls clinic in October 2024. The organization is now preparing to open North Canyon Surgery Center in Twin Falls, further strengthening surgical capabilities and enhancing patient access to high-quality care.
Alongside the facility growth, North Canyon has expanded service lines, welcomed new providers across multiple specialties, and invested in advanced surgical technology to improve patient outcomes. Robotic systems implemented in recent years include Mako™ robotics for joint replacement procedures, da Vinci® robotic systems for general surgery, gynecology, and urology, and Globus robotic technology for spine surgery.
Through sustained growth, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, North Canyon Medical Center remains dedicated to meeting the evolving healthcare needs of the Magic Valley and surrounding communities.