By Jennifer Zartman Romano
for the Whitley News Network: talkofthetown.com, buscovoice.com & southwhitleyonline.com
COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. – (June 8, 2009) Plans to transform a rolling field into a sprawling site for medical excellence are on track, say Parkview Health leaders.
Last week, Parkview Health CEO Mike Packnet and Parkview Whitley Hospital COO John Meister told Talk of the Town that plans are on course to begin moving soil at the site the new Parkview Whitley Hospital beginning in July.
“If our numbers are in line, we anticipate a completion date of August 2011 and a move in date in October 2011,” Meister said.
“Our community has helped us define (the new hospital),” added Meister. “It will be more than brick and mortar.”
Meister is optimistic the new hospital facility will further enhance patient care and medical services offered within Whitley County. Additionally, Meister and Packnet are excited to see the impact the hospital will have on employees, the community at large and on the local economy.
Meister noted that building the facility, alone, will have an impact on those in the field of construction and that the recruitment and retention of medical jobs in Whitley County will be significant.
In addition to the hospital facility, plans are in the works for a 40,000 square foot medical office building.
“This is a considerable investment we’re making,” Meister said, “but it will provide better access to care and it will make Whitley County an even more special place to live and work.”
Parkview Whitley Hospital employs approximately 400 workers.
“We strive for perfection,” Meister said of the hospital, adding that when compared nationally, they rank among the top. “We compare ourselves nationally in quality of care and patient satisfaction.”
