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Editorials - 07/25/02

WestCare expansion continues hospital's legacy of service
A hospital that grew out of the vision of two small-town doctors is poised to embark on the next phase of its 77-year effort to provide our community with the best, most up-to-date and convenient health care possible.

Continuing a proud heritage of commitment and service, WestCare's current leadership is planning to undertake a major expansion that will benefit its patients, physicians and staff.

Health system officials took a long look at the needs of the community and determined a list of priorities that needed to be addressed. Realizing that several departments designed to serve outpatient therapy needs are currently housed in cramped, inconvenient quarters, leaders envisioned a two-story addition that could house physical therapy, occupational therapy, cardiopulmonary rehab and sports medicine in ground floor space with adjacent parking.

If all goes according to plan, that ambulatory services center will become a reality in less than two years. And once departments are moved into the new facility, existing hospital space will be available to add flexibility for inpatient beds and care.

WestCare officials also realized they could improve access to the hospital and surrounding neighborhood by rerouting a portion of Hospital Road and adding a traffic light on Business 23. Closing the portion of the state road that passes through the HRH campus will both free up space for expansion while making the area safer for hospital visitors and staff.

Hospital leaders, from founding fathers Candler and Tidmarsh, to those who oversaw the 1930 growth to C.J. Harris Community Hospital, to officials who presided over the hospital's 1994 rebirth as Harris Regional and right on through those who brought about its 1997 metamorphosis into WestCare Health System, have shown foresight and a commitment to provide first Jackson County and later the region with quality health care.

WestCare officials have continued that tradition through their recent cooperative efforts with other hospitals and agencies to create Mountain Regional Cancer Center and Carolina West Sports Medicine.

We applaud their far-reaching vision and solid dedication to our community.

Back to Archive: 07/25/02.