Mountain West Medical Center (MWMC) is a beautiful 35-bed community hospital that opened in May 2002 and serves the 50,000 residents of Tooele County, the fastest growing county in Utah (projected to reach 100,000 in the next ten years). Accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO), MWMC boasts a wide compliment of services. The Women’s Center has three birthing suites, four post-partum rooms, and one evaluation room. Other features of the hospital include three inpatient /outpatient OR suites, including laparoscopic, arthroscopic and laser surgery capabilities; and full endoscopic services. The facility also offers a cardiopulmonary lab, clinical lab, pathology, all-digital diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, mammography, CT, MRI, 24-hour emergency services, a four-bed ICU, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, a dialysis suite and more.
The medical staff of 50 physicians and mid-level practitioners offers general family, pediatrics, general surgery, radiology and podiatry. Specialists in orthopedics, ear, nose and throat, allergy, urology, ophthalmology and oral surgery round out the services offered by this complete-care hospital. An attractive medical office building attached to the hospital, and additional commercial office space next door, offer convenient locations for physician practices.
Mountain West Home Health offers both private care and Skilled Nursing services, physical and speech therapies and medical social services. Certified nursing aides provide assistance with daily living.
THE COMMUNITY
Located just 35 miles southwest of metropolitan Salt Lake City, Tooele (pronounced "Too-ill-uh"), named for the Indian Chief Tuills, was later settled by Mormon pioneers and expanded by both cavalry and miners. Tooele has a fascinating history which includes Indian lore, ghost towns and pony express trails. Tooele sits at an elevation of 4,820 feet, nestled between the Oquirrh and Stansbury Mountains. The 50,000 residents of this community enjoy four spectacular seasons including a breathtaking fall with its rich colors, cold winters where one can count on a White Christmas and hot summers with cool evenings.
Tooele boasts rural living in a suburban setting. Six major shopping malls, NBA and WNBA basketball, minor league baseball, hockey, the symphony, ballet, opera and major concerts are all just minutes away in Salt Lake City, the host of the 2002 Winter Olympics. The annual Tooele Arts Festival, held in June, offers diverse arts, crafts, food and entertainment for adults and children alike. Mutton busting is the highlight of the Tooele County Fair as well as big bull and bronco riding.
GETTING THERE
Tooele is located just 35 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, on SR 36, ten miles south of Interstate 80 (exit 99). Salt Lake International Airport is just 25 minutes from downtown Tooele.Tooele County Municipal Airport is located in Grantsville, five miles west of Tooele. The Utah Transit Authority offers a Salt Lake shuttle mornings and evenings. Tooele is also accessible by Highway 180 and SR36.
EDUCATION
Tooele has seen a recent spurt in school construction, with seven elementary schools, two junior high schools, two high schools, one alternative school and one special education school to provide quality education for its children. For those who wish to further their education there is ample opportunity. Utah State University has a campus in Tooele and several community schools offer continuing education. Two major universities, the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and Brigham Young University in Provo, are located just on the other side of the mountains. Salt Lake Community College as well as several vocational colleges are also located in Salt Lake City.
RECREATION
The Tooele area has one of the widest range of recreational opportunities found anywhere. From nine (9) ski resorts boasting the Greatest Snow on Earth, mountain biking, climbing and hiking to places with breathtaking views, sailing, boating and kayaking, Blue Ribbon fishing and hunting are also within 60 minutes of Tooele. There are also three (3) golf courses in the area. Tooele County is home of Bonneville Salt Flats, the world's fastest speedway, where land-speed record attempts are held annually. The Desert Peak Complex Recreation Facility offers outdoor recreation with horseback riding arenas, stables, swimming pools, baseball and soccer fields. Those more inclined to the indoors head west 60 minutes to Wendover, Nevada, to quench their "Vegas Thirst."