St. Mary Medical Center, of Community Health System, will be opening a new Valparaiso Health Center in 2012. The unveiling ceremony for the new health center was held at Strongbows on November 9, 2011. The new health center will be a 55,000 square-foot outpatient center, located just off Highway 49 and Burlington Beach Road. Ground breaking is expected to begin in December 2011.
Mary Fetsch, Director of Marketing and Community Relations, said, “This building is going to be about more than just coming to see the doctor; it is going to have elements that help to promote calmness and serenity. The philosophy of care: we are dedicated to the healing of the mind, body and spirit.”
One of the most prominent features of the health center will be the Healing Garden. This Healing Garden will be a place of relaxation and meditation for staff and patients alike. It is expected to be a soothing outdoor space.
While guests dined on Strongbows' specialty of turkey and some light hors d'oeuvres, the opening ceremony began. Janice Ryba, CEO of St. Mary Medical Center, talked about how much of a privilege it is to share the new plans about the new Valparaiso Health Center.
Ryba said, “We have reached out and heard the health care need.” The new Community Healthcare System- St. Mary Medical Center in Valparaiso will have quality providers, high standards, will be accessible to the public and will provide a broad range of health services.”
William Schenck, a member of St. Mary Medial Center Board of Directors, said the new health center is, “Going to compliment what is going on with healthcare delivery today at the lowest possible price.”
Frankie Fesko of the Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana, gave a brief history of the beginnings of St. Mary’s move into Valparaiso. Fesko said, “The last several months there has been a lot of time and effort spent selecting a location. We have made plans, changed plans, and adapted plans.” She continued, “Always plan ahead because when Noah built the ark, it wasn’t raining. The quality we provide is our cornerstone and the strong physician relationships are our foundation.”
Phil Newbold, CEO of Memorial Health System, spoke of how the idea for the new health center began. “It started as an idea and a vision to improve quality. We have waited a long time for this and anything worthwhile is worth waiting for. This is the first chapter in unveiling needed services.”
John Gorski, COO Community Healthcare System, mentioned the important ideas taught by Community Healthcare System’s Founder Donald S. Powers. Gorski said, “First we have to listen, second we are taught to invest. Invest in community, in facilities, technology and most important people. Third is quality. Never settle for second best.”
He continued, “We are going to do the best for [the patients] when they are in need. We are a family and we work together as family. We want to treat people as if they were our family. Lastly, he taught me about timing. Do your homework. We might not be the first to do something, but when we do it, it is going to be done right.”
Mayor Jon Costas concluded the ceremony commenting about the new venture saying, “We are re-investing in ourselves. We are going to do everything we can to grow the community.”
Some of the services that will be available:
- Immediate Care Center
- Internal/Family Medicine-Porter County Primary Care
- Family Medicine
- OB/GYN Services-Innovative Women’s Health
- Integrative/Functional Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Clinical Laboratory
- MRI, 64-slice CT, X-ray, Ultrasound
- Digital Mammography and Bone Densitometry
- Outpatient Rehabilitation/Physical Therapy
- Healthy 4 Life Center-Bariatric/Weight Loss Services
- Physician Specialists: Orthopedics, Gastroenterology, Urology, Neurology, Ear/Nose/Throat, Oncology, General Surgery and Cardiology
For more information, call the physician referral line 1-866-836-3477 or visit www.comhs.org.