THE BELLEVUE HOSPITAL BREAKS GROUND

FOR $36 MILLION REPLACEMENT FACILITY

June 27, 2003 --

A new era in healthcare began for The Bellevue Hospital (TBH) on Friday, June 27, as ground was broken for a $36 million replacement facility. The 86-year-old building, currently located at 811 Northwest Street, will be replaced with a brand new hospital to be located at 1400 W. Main St., at the intersection of U.S. 20 and York Township Road 302. Target completion date is Spring, 2005.

“Today we are achieving something that, in the minds of many, was impossible to do,” commented Michael K. Winthrop, president and CEO of TBH. “Within the next 18-22 months, we will have a state-of-the-art facility for the Bellevue-Clyde area.”

Winthrop served as master of ceremonies for the groundbreaking, introducing 11 different guest speakers prior to turning the first shovel of dirt.

“In the 150 year history of the City of Bellevue, there has only been one hospital built,” said Thomas Barth, chairman of the hospital’s Board of Trustees. “Today we start building a second facility so that each department can be expanded, and so that we will never run out of parking spaces,” quipped Barth. “We build this facility for the next 150 years of care.”

Mayor Charles Trapp read a proclamation, which proclaimed June 27, 2003 as “The Bellevue Hospital Day” in the City of Bellevue. “TBH has long been one of the most important assets in our community and it is a catalyst for economic development,” added the mayor.

J. Andrew Huddleston, D.O., secretary/treasurer of TBH’s medical staff, said that patients would be the ones to receive the greatest benefit from the new facility. “Patients will be more comfortable, have more privacy, and will rest better, which should get them home sooner. The medical staff is doing an excellent job now, but will do an even better job in the new facility with the state-of-the-art equipment and expanded space to work in.”

State Rep. Jeff Wagner (R) congratulated the Bellevue-Clyde communities. “What a wonderful thing you have going here with this new facility. Congratulations and thanks for investing in your communities.”

Dave Brown, vice president of project management with AMDC, told audience members that 10 years ago, industry experts were saying there was no future for local healthcare facilities such as TBH. “This is all being made possible here today because of the efforts of this community and of the three hospitals forming a financial partnership (The Bellevue Hospital, Norwalk Area Health Systems, Firelands Regional Medical Center, Sandusky). All three of you share the same interest of providing care to your local communities, and I wish to congratulate you. My company has not seen anything like this (financial partnership) across the country.”

The designer of the new facility, Celso Gilberti, of Gilberti Studios International LLC, said TBH officials “let us look inside their hearts where we found the design for this new facility. I consider this to be one of the most efficient hospitals of its size in North America. It will sit on this 109-acre site like a gem, a jewel.”

Denver Brooker, design principal with GSI Architects, noted, “From designing the patient rooms to the Radiology Department to the Housekeeping Department, everything has been done with the patient in mind.”

J. David Pepper, president and CEO of Pepper Construction Co., Chicago, told those gathered, “This is truly a great thing. We are proud and pleased to be a part of it.”

Two long-time TBH employees, Marge Solander (53 years) and Ruth Benfer (55 years) shared their experiences as they began their R.N. careers in the original building. “In 1950 when I came here, we had one hallway, four wards, one private room, one bathroom with a bathtub, and no waiting room. Everyone ate their meals together at a table in the corner of the kitchen,” recounted Solander. “Penicillin and sulfur were the drugs of the day, and we had to boil all our instruments to sterilize them. We have come a long way, baby!”

Added Benfer, “I remember back in 1947 making $5.00 a month as a nurse while still in school. I think I have worked in most nursing departments over the years, and have made many friends over those years. I love people and hope I can care for patients a little while longer.”

The formal part of the program closed with the Rev. Doug Lewis, pastor of Bellevue’s First United Methodist Church, reciting a prayer of blessing for the ground on which the hospital will be constructed.

Immediately following the speeches, those who were asked to speak were also given the first opportunity to break ground for the new facility, headed by Winthrop and Barth. Many others, including elected officials, financial institution representatives from Fifth Third Bank (through which the construction bonds will be issued), and TBH employees and volunteers, were asked to pose for photographs and take part in the groundbreaking.

Construction crews will begin work on the new facility in early July. Target completion date is April of 2005

Groundbreaking

THE BELLEVUE HOSPITAL BREAKS GROUND

FOR $36 MILLION REPLACEMENT FACILITY

The Bellevue Hospital, 1400 W. Main Street - P O Box 8004, Bellevue, Ohio 44811-8004 419-483-4040 Last modified: 09/30/04

The Bellevue Hospital, 1400 W. Main Street - P O Box 8004, Bellevue, Ohio 44811-8004 419-483-4040
Last modified: 09/30/04