Employees Show Overwhelming Support for Surgical Project at EMCH
BRUSH, Colo. (May 17, 2010) — East Morgan County Hospital (EMCH) employees surpassed their $100,000 goal and pledged $154,607 toward the expansion and renovation of the hospital’s surgical area.
Pledges were made as part of EMCH’s fundraising campaign, Operation: Surge Forward 2010. The employee campaign is the first phase of the communitywide fundraising effort. “It is amazing how the hospital employees have pulled together for this project. They are making a statement of how important the surgery project is to their family, friends and community,” said George Hertneky, East Morgan County Hospital district board treasurer and campaign steering committee member.
There was 100 percent participation by the hospital employees. “The staff here at EMCH is amazing,” said Wendy Danielson, EMCH foundation specialist. “They pulled together, by volunteering their time, making 5 year pledges or one time contributions.”
During this campaign, drawings for the staff were held throughout the weeklong event. Donations were given by individuals and businesses. These generous contributions were greatly appreciated. Everyone at the hospital is excited about this major project.
“I am so excited that the employees raised a large sum of money toward the expansion and renovation,” said Bill Annan, co-chairman, Operation: Surge Forward 2010. “This shows that they realize the importance of this project not only for the hospital, but the community as well. This is going to be an exciting project for Brush and the surrounding area.”
When completed, the surgery center will expand from 4,800 to 6,800 square feet. The expanded square footage will be constructed on the north side of the hospital building and will include higher ceiling heights in the operating rooms, which will accommodate equipment and infrastructure used in today’s OR’s. The expanded/remodeled center will include seven pre-op/post-op beds, an increase from three beds in the hospital’s current surgery area.
“The current operating rooms are over 43 years old,” stated Dr. Thomas Bryant, EMCH general surgeon, and co-chairman, Operation: Surge Forward 2010. “An average lifespan of an operating room is 18 years. The expansion and renovation will enable expanded surgical capabilities; as well as enhance comfort and privacy for our patients and the staff will enjoy an improved working environment.”
Construction will occur in phases to ensure surgeries continue uninterrupted during the project. The project is expected to be completed by December 2010.
“The EMCH Foundation Board is excited about the plans for the renovation of the surgical area at the hospital,” said Suzanna Spears, Foundation Board president. “More patients choose to stay close to home for surgeries; especially when they learn what great surgeons and staff is available here in their community. The Foundation Board members look forward to working with community members to provide financial support for this endeavor.”
The board and Banner Health have hired J.E. Dunn Associates of Denver as general contractor and Davis Partnership Architects of Denver for the project. Both firms have extensive remodel/expansion experience for surgical centers.
ABOUT EAST MORGAN COUNTY HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
The East Morgan County Hospital Foundation exists to provide funds and support for capital and program needs for East Morgan County Hospital. The Foundation has successfully undertaken several successful campaigns to meet these needs.
ABOUT EAST MORGAN COUNTY HOSPITAL
East Morgan County Hospital in Brush, Colo. is licensed by the state of Colorado and certified by Medicare as a 25-bed critical-access hospital. Designated as a Level IV Trauma Center, East Morgan includes a 24-hour emergency department with three trauma bays, one surgery suite, one recovery room, one endoscopy room, and one outpatient surgery suite. It is part of Banner Health, one of the country’s largest nonprofit hospital systems.
