William Newton Hospital will have a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday to celebrate the expansion of its surgical department.
The public is invited to attend the event located off Park Street, east of hospital in Winfield. It scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.
The expansion is part of William Newton Hospital’s 10-year master facility plan comprised of six phases. The northeast corner of the hospital is the focus of phase one, where the existing surgical wing is located on the first floor.
Anticipated to take between 12 and 18 months to complete, hospital officials said, phase one includes a new operating room, pre- and post-operative care units, space for a catheterization laboratory, a chapel, and two waiting areas allowing for all surgical services to be centralized.
“Phase one enhances patient care in a number of ways,” says William Newton Hospital Chief Executive Officer Ben Quinton. “By unifying our surgical and ambulatory care units, patients will no longer have pre- and post-op care on one end of the hospital and the surgical procedure done on the other. It eliminates transport across the building and elevator rides from floor to floor.”
Quinton says this change will improve both efficiency for staff and privacy for patients.
The plans include a new cath lab. The hospital is working with Heartland Cardiology of Wichita to perform heart catheterizations, which once in place can be used to diagnose and treat arterial abnormalities. Blocked arteries prevent blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart muscle.
“With a cath lab, we’ll be able to treat some cardiac patients that would otherwise have to go to Wichita,” Quinton explains. “Heart caths can be lifesaving procedures.”
Quinton also touts improvements that will add comfort for loved ones.
“The hospital had a chapel at one time. We’ve received many requests over the years to bring it back,” Quinton comments. “In addition, waiting areas will be more spacious and private.”
Phase One Funding
The first phase will be funded in two major ways: financing and philanthropic gifts.
At July’s meeting, the hospital board of trustees approved 12-month financing totaling $9.1 million for construction costs, architect fees, engineering fees, and construction management fees. The loan is funded by three local banks: RCB Bank, Union State Bank, and Community National Bank. Closing documents for the phase one construction project were signed on July 30.
A Culture of Philanthropy
William Newton Healthcare Foundation’s ‘Second Century’ capital campaign has raised $2.2 million as of July 2018, with a goal to raise $3 million during phase one.
Foundation Director Annika Morris says philanthropy is important to sustaining access to preferred care in Cowley County and its neighboring regions.
“From the first gift made by William and Mary Virginia Newton, and through the generosity of others who’ve supported the hospital during its first century, the Second Century Campaign accentuates the formidable partnership with the people of our community and our hospital,” states Morris.
“Together, we will ensure the hospital meets the growing demands of the increased number of patients served.”
The ‘campaign brigade’ includes honorary chairs Tom Herlocker, campaign sage, and Dorothy Flottman, campaign majorette. Steve McSpadden and Paula Radcliff serve as co-chairs for the campaign. The full brigade is made up of nearly 80 William Newton Healthcare Foundation volunteers and supporters. Its mission is to renew and extend a deeper understanding of the vital role William Newton Hospital plays in supporting the community in the areas of health, quality of life, and economic well-being. The brigade will work to further this mission during each phase of the campaign and beyond.
“We are so grateful to have a local hospital which provides quality care and medical expertise, especially as our needs change as we get older,” share Phil and Mary Jarvis, Second Century Campaign donors. “We wanted to participate in the Second Century Campaign to assure the community we love will continue to have William Newton Hospital for generations to come.”
Groundbreaking Ceremony
At the groundbreaking Larry Hatteberg, retired KAKE-TV news anchor and broadcast journalist, will serve as master of ceremonies.
Refreshments will be served, and fans will be provided.
To learn more about the phase one project and the capital campaign, visit www.wnhfoundation.org/2ndcentury. Event details can also be found on each of the William Newton Hospital and William Newton Healthcare Foundation Facebook pages.
