Learn More About Burnett Medical Center | Our History & Mission

Burnett Medical Center entrance featuring "Emergency Entrance" and "Main Entrance" signs, showcasing the hospital's commitment to community healthcare in Grantsburg, WI.

At Burnett Medical Center (BMC), we believe in doing more than providing medical services—we believe in caring for people. As the only hospital in Burnett County, WI, our nonprofit critical access hospital, clinic and long-term care facility in Grantsburg has served generations of families with high-quality, compassionate healthcare. From our roots in community support to our ongoing pursuit of excellence,Burnett Medical Center remains deeply committed to meeting the health and wellness needs of our neighbors.

A Brief Look at Our History

Burnett Medical Center’s story began in 1930 with the opening of the first hospital in Grantsburg. Funded by 47 local residents and operated by just a few doctors, it marked the beginning of accessible, locally delivered healthcare in the Grantburg area.

By 1961, a new 31-bed nonprofit facility opened on St. George Avenue, in Grantsburg, built thanks to generous contributions from citizens across Wisconsin and Minnesota. As the region grew, so did BMC. A long-term care center was added in 1970, and new expansions followed over the decades, including emergency care upgrades, surgical suites, and advanced diagnostic imaging facilities.

In 1995, the hospital officially becameBurnett Medical Center, reflecting its expanded outpatient services and broader reach. Renovations in the late ’90s and early 2000s modernized patient care areas, added a rural health clinic, and consolidated services under one roof. With the launch of a cultural transformation, the “Quest for Excellence” in 2020 and a rebranding effort, BMC reaffirmed its commitment to innovation, excellence, and compassionate service.

Today, BMC includes a 17-bed hospital, 50-bed continuing care center, and full-service clinic, all committed to delivering care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our evolution is a direct result of listening to our patients and anticipating their needs.

Mission, Vision, and Core Values

At the heart of Burnett Medical Center is our unwavering mission:

“To provide compassionate, comprehensive, community healthcare that exceeds our customers’ expectations.”

This mission reflects our promise to treat every patient with kindness, dignity, and excellence, because healthcare is personal. It’s about showing up when people need us most and providing services that truly make a difference in the lives of individuals and families.

Our vision is clear:

To be the community healthcare “provider of choice” in Burnett County.

We strive to be the best medical center in Burnett County and the surrounding area, not by being the largest, but by being the most trusted, offering expert care, advanced services, and a welcoming environment close to home. We understand that trust is earned, and we are honored to be the first call our community makes in times of need.

Our daily work is guided by the following core values:

  • Respect: High regard for opinions of BMC, self, and others; treats patients, families, and coworkers with dignity.
  • Integrity: Exhibits honesty and confidentiality while pursuing service excellence.
  • Accountability: Every employee is to feel a sense of ownership for BMC. Follow through on all commitments in a timely manner. Each employee will do what it takes to achieve those goals, while adhering to policies, procedures, and compliance. Creatively and responsibly using resources to maintain financial stability.
  • Professionalism: Displaying professional behavior, appearance, and workplace ethics. Demonstrates loyalty and exceeds expectations in job performance and interactions with others.

Together, these values foster a culture where employees feel empowered to make a positive impact. At every level of care, from the front desk to the bedside, we work as a team to deliver a seamless and compassionate healthcare experience beyond Grantsburg and Burnett County residents.

Committed to Our Community

Burnett Medical Center is more than a healthcare facility; it’s a cornerstone of the Grantsburg community. We offeremergency care, outpatient services, long-term care, and specialty visits all under one roof, making care convenient for individuals and families at every stage of life.

Ourteam lives and works here. We are your neighbors, your friends, and your advocates. We care deeply about this community because we’re a part of it. And as we continue to grow and adapt, our focus remains steady: putting people first, every time.

Experience compassionate care close to home from Grantsburg’s medical experts with a history of providing exceptional care.Choose Burnett Medical Center—where your health is our mission.