University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics - History

History

UW Hospital and Clinics was established by the Wisconsin Legislature in 1924. It was originally named Wisconsin General Hospital and located at 1300 University Avenue. They were formerly part of the UW System, but since 1995 are under the control of the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics Authority (UWHCA), created under former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson. In 1974, it moved to a new facility at 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin, as the original building was converted for use by the University as classrooms. UW Hospital and Clinics was reorganized as public authority on June 29, 1996.

The hospital and clinics are directed by statute to: "maintain, control and supervise the use of the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, for the purposes of:

• 1. Delivering comprehensive, high−quality health care to patients using the hospitals and to those seeking care from its programs, including a commitment to provide such care for the medically indigent.
• 2. Providing an environment suitable for instructing medical and other health professions students, physicians, nurses and members of other health−related disciplines.
• 3. Sponsoring and supporting research in the delivery of health care to further the welfare of the patients treated and applying the advances in health knowledge to alleviate human suffering, promote health and prevent disease.
• 4. Assisting health programs and personnel throughout the state and region in the delivery of health care."