Our Opinion: Groundbreaking another step into future

Opinions

November 3, 2009

Anonymous The Times-Recorder Tue Nov 03, 2009, 09:03 PM EST

The official groundbreaking ceremony for Phoebe Sumter Medical Center held on Tuesday is the latest chapter in the story of healthcare in Americus and Sumter County, and of its people.

Ever since the night of March 1, 2007, when a tornado struck our community, claiming two lives, damaging many homes and businesses, and destroying our community hospital — Sumter Regional — there has been a sense of trepidation among citizens, and some fear. Many have afraid that we would never have a first-class hospital again in our midst, but now the wheels are further along the track.

The new, four-story, 76-bed hospital will be surrounded by medical office buildings and a running/walking track, all on the 280-acre site located just off U.S. Highway 280 West. Construction is expected to be complete by 2011.

And with the groundbreaking, it was announced that Keith Petersen, interim CEO of Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, was named CEO. We’ve welcomed Petersen before in these columns, and we are pleased with the announcement.

In comments at the groundbreaking, former President Jimmy Carter spoke of the unity among the citizens of the community in the wake of the tornado, and the partnership between Americus-Sumter County and the Phoebe organization that is bringing a new hospital to fruition.

He said, “The quality of healthcare is one of the most active measurements of the quality of a community. It shows not only the presence of great and dedicated healthcare professionals, but it also indicates quite clearly the degree that various people in the community can work together in harmony to bring about the realization of an exhalted dream.”

And at times, the tornado seems like only a dream, albeit a nightmare, but again, the people of this community have come together with a new partner to see yet another dream becoming reality.

We are thankful.

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