KCH Marks 25 Years

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer-

Kosciusko Community Hospital celebrated its 25th anniversary Saturday and the grand opening of its women's and birthing centers.

The celebration included a dedication, a dance performance by Deb Collier's School of Dance, free blood pressure and bone density testing and activities for children. Tours of the new women's and birthing centers also were given.

In his opening remarks celebrating the anniversary, KCH CEO Wayne Hendrix said, "We're very pleased to share some thoughts with you and some facilities that will be very important for this community."

He said during KCH's 25 years, the hospital had many board members whose vision helped the hospital grow and prosper.

"It's hard to believe," he said, "this hospital is 25 years old." And although it is one of the youngest hospitals in the state, he said, he hopes it has become an important part of Kosciusko County. The hospital is the 10th largest employer in the county.

The land for the hospital was donated by a group of eight doctors and supported by the financial assistance of local leaders. The hospital started as a 113-bed hospital and now is a "true regional hospital," he said.

"Our hope is that we've become a part of the heart and soul of the families here in Kosciusko County," Hendrix said. It's not the numbers that matter, he said, but the people.

Dr. John Davis, chairman of the hospital advisory board, said what KCH is today is not the result of an accident but the product of a vision that started many years ago. The solid growth of the hospital, Davis said, is because of the hard work of everyone involved in the hospital.

"Last month, we had 430 surgeries performed in these facilities," said Davis, "It just seems we are growing at an (exceptional) rate."

Before Dr. Tom Howard, chairman of obstetrics, spoke, Hendrix introduced Mrs. Joe (Stacy) Stanley. She was the first person born at KCH 25 years ago.

Howard then said Kosciusko County is a growing community and "we realize the challenges don't end here" with the new facilities. He said they continue to recruit the best employees to meet the community's needs and serve the community well.

"We're all proud," said Howard, "to work at this facility in our hometown."

Hendrix also recognized the current and past board members, physicians, support staff and his own family.

"Thanks to everyone," Hendrix said. "This may be my swan song since I'm retiring July 1. This may be the last time I address you publicly."

Director of Chaplaincy Doug West also gave the dedication prayer for the new women's and birthing centers.

Deb Collier's School of Dance also performed. [[In-content Ad]]

Kosciusko Community Hospital celebrated its 25th anniversary Saturday and the grand opening of its women's and birthing centers.

The celebration included a dedication, a dance performance by Deb Collier's School of Dance, free blood pressure and bone density testing and activities for children. Tours of the new women's and birthing centers also were given.

In his opening remarks celebrating the anniversary, KCH CEO Wayne Hendrix said, "We're very pleased to share some thoughts with you and some facilities that will be very important for this community."

He said during KCH's 25 years, the hospital had many board members whose vision helped the hospital grow and prosper.

"It's hard to believe," he said, "this hospital is 25 years old." And although it is one of the youngest hospitals in the state, he said, he hopes it has become an important part of Kosciusko County. The hospital is the 10th largest employer in the county.

The land for the hospital was donated by a group of eight doctors and supported by the financial assistance of local leaders. The hospital started as a 113-bed hospital and now is a "true regional hospital," he said.

"Our hope is that we've become a part of the heart and soul of the families here in Kosciusko County," Hendrix said. It's not the numbers that matter, he said, but the people.

Dr. John Davis, chairman of the hospital advisory board, said what KCH is today is not the result of an accident but the product of a vision that started many years ago. The solid growth of the hospital, Davis said, is because of the hard work of everyone involved in the hospital.

"Last month, we had 430 surgeries performed in these facilities," said Davis, "It just seems we are growing at an (exceptional) rate."

Before Dr. Tom Howard, chairman of obstetrics, spoke, Hendrix introduced Mrs. Joe (Stacy) Stanley. She was the first person born at KCH 25 years ago.

Howard then said Kosciusko County is a growing community and "we realize the challenges don't end here" with the new facilities. He said they continue to recruit the best employees to meet the community's needs and serve the community well.

"We're all proud," said Howard, "to work at this facility in our hometown."

Hendrix also recognized the current and past board members, physicians, support staff and his own family.

"Thanks to everyone," Hendrix said. "This may be my swan song since I'm retiring July 1. This may be the last time I address you publicly."

Director of Chaplaincy Doug West also gave the dedication prayer for the new women's and birthing centers.

Deb Collier's School of Dance also performed. [[In-content Ad]]

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