New hospital officials focus on future generations

SPRINGFIELD — Future generations were a common topic of the Springfield Regional Medical Center Time Capsule Ceremony conducted Wednesday.

Whether discussing the state-of-the-art medical center that will benefit multiple generations to come, or filling up a time capsule with notable documents and newspapers highlighting the hospital’s history, the focus was on the future.

“We hope future generations will know the history of the hospital and the community by the items placed in the time capsule today,” said Dr. Pamela Young, Community Mercy Health Partners board of directors chair.

Several issues of the Springfield News-Sun, an employee newsletter, aerial photos documenting the project’s progress and multiple other items were placed in the capsule, which will be stored in a brick column near the main entrance of the hospital.

Mark Wiener, president and CEO of Community Mercy Health Partners, said the contents of the capsule “demonstrate the fabric of the community.”

“This facility was built by the community to meet the needs of the community,” he said.

Four months from Wednesday, on Nov. 13, the public will be able to walk through that main entrance when the new $235 million Springfield Regional Medical Center officially opens for business.

“This is a significant positive milestone in the growth of health care for Springfield and the surrounding communities,” said Wiener.

With about $8.2 million of a $10 million in philanthropic commitments met, the Auxiliary of Springfield Regional Medical Center proposed a challenge to individuals, businesses and foundations to make a philanthropic commitment to the hospital — a $1 million matching gift.

“The Auxiliary will match dollar for dollar up to $500,000,” said president Bob Stough. “I hope you’ll join the Auxiliary in bringing the best to the new facility.”

Before the facility opens for business, around 200 patients will be transported to the new facility beginning Nov. 1, a move that will cost around $3.8 million including training, orientations and equipment, according to reports.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0347 or kcano@coxohio.com.

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