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| Larry James reports at Chamber Luncheon on Middletown Regional Hospital Future Plans |
| Thursday, February 6, 2003 12:00:00 AM - Middletown Ohio |
Mid-Miami Valley Chamber members and guests held their monthly luncheon to network and hear an update on the upcoming construction project and move by Middletown Regional Hospital.
Larry James, Vice president of marketing for the hospital, spoke to business leaders detailing the hospital’s history and reasons for the need to expand and move the facility near the I-75/SR122 interchange.
Mr. James told about the growing number of people within the hospital’s service area and the expanded level of services now available to serve them through the Middletown Regional Hospital. With current growth patterns, he said, the hospital would outgrow its facility completely within 5-7 years. The current 26 acre tract, even expanding to nearby property would not be sufficient to hold the facilities and support services needed for future health care in the area, according to James.
He also discussed the difficulties of the past 2 1/2 years when the proposed plan was under attack by a community “negative state of mind” driven by “fear of change and the unknown, territorialism, greed and bad blood between communities.”
Now that the decision is final and the hospital management can move ahead with the planning and construction phases, he sees renewed energy to move ahead. Mr. James acknowledged that the difficulties of the very public disagreements about hospital location drained off vital energy and resources of the management team. He described a future of renewed activity and positive effort toward the huge medical complex now planned for Middletown.
The next in the series of Chamber luncheons is slated for Thursday, March 6 at 11:30 in the Forest Hills Club House and will feature police chiefs from the three communities served by the Mid-Miami Valley Chamber of Commerce. Speakers will address changes in security since 9/11. Speakers will be Middletown Police Chief Bill Becker, Monroe Police Chief Ernest Howard and Trenton Police Chief Rod Hale.
To make reservations, call the Chamber at 513-422-4551 or visit the chamber website at www.mmvchamber.org. Cost for members is $15 if prepaid, $18 at the door. Non- members pay $30.
Story submitted by Ann Mort |
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