LDS Hospital Salt Lake City: A Family’s Unexpected Journey

LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City: A Legacy of Care and Innovation

For over 115 years, LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, has been a cornerstone of healthcare for the community. Originally founded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the hospital is now operated by Intermountain Healthcare, continuing a tradition of high-quality clinical care, technological advancement, and personalized service.

Today, LDS Hospital is a 262-bed facility offering a comprehensive range of wellness, diagnostic, and treatment services. Located just minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, the hospital serves a broad patient base with a commitment to both medical excellence and compassionate care.

From Deseret Hospital to Modern Healthcare

The origins of LDS Hospital trace back to 1882 with the establishment of Deseret Hospital. This initial venture arose from a critical need: high mortality rates during childbirth. Recognizing this, leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Eliza R. Snow and Brigham Young, sponsored women to pursue medical degrees in the eastern United States during the 1870s, and 1880s. These pioneering students included Romania B. Pratt Penrose and Ellis Reynolds Shipp.

Funding for Deseret Hospital was secured through the Mutual Improvement and Relief Society organizations. The hospital was largely staffed by these newly qualified female doctors. Despite strong community support, Deseret Hospital faced financial challenges and was ultimately forced to close in 1890 due to a lack of sustained funding. Its legacy, however, remained.

A replica of the original Deseret Hospital building can be found at This Is the Place Heritage Park, commemorating its important role in the history of healthcare in Utah.

W.H. Groves LDS Hospital and Continued Growth

Despite the closure of Deseret Hospital, the desire for a Church-sponsored hospital in Salt Lake City persisted. W.H. Groves LDS Hospital opened in 1905, marking a new chapter in the institution’s history. The current hospital building, which replaced the original 1905 structure, opened in 1984.

LDS Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission, a testament to its commitment to meeting rigorous quality and safety standards. The hospital features a helipad, enabling rapid transport for patients requiring specialized care.

Intermountain Healthcare and Specialized Services

As part of Intermountain Healthcare, LDS Hospital benefits from a network of resources and expertise. Castle Connolly has recognized LDS Hospital with a Gold Standard award, highlighting its commitment to providing exceptional care. The hospital offers specialized services in areas such as cancer care, gastroenterology, and orthopedics, with state rankings in several procedures.

Doctors affiliated with the hospital and recognized by Castle Connolly Top Doctors include Gabriela Motyckova (Medical Oncology), Julie Asch (Pediatric Hematology-Oncology), Yvonne Hsu (Urogynecology), Brent J. Christensen (Surgery), Steven C. Lynch (Urology), James R. Gardiner (Orthopaedic Surgery), Kian Eftekhari (Ophthalmology), Brett G. Toresdahl (Sports Medicine), Elizabeth F. Howell (Addiction Psychiatry), Philip L. Baese (Psychiatry), Rachele M. McCarthey (Child & Adolescent Psychiatry), Amy S. Smith (Child & Adolescent Psychiatry), Gary B. Johnson (Urology), and Sierra Pena (Family Medicine).

Nearby hospitals within the Intermountain Healthcare network include the University of Utah Hospital, CommonSpirit – Holy Cross Hospital – Salt Lake, Primary Children’s Hospital, Huntsman Cancer Institute, and St. Mark’s Hospital.

LDS Hospital continues to evolve, adapting to the changing needs of the community while upholding its long-standing commitment to providing compassionate, innovative, and high-quality healthcare.