By Keith Purtell
Thursday’s grand opening of the Westside Expansion at Muskogee Regional Medical Center underscores Capella Healthcare’s commitment to the community, the company president said.
Steve Anderson, president of Capella Healthcare, which now manages the formerly public hospital, said his company is excited about MRMC’s growth.
“We look forward to serving the community for 40 years at least,” Anderson said. “Working together, our one goal is to provide health care to the citizens of this community.”
The opening took place in the new lobby at the south end of Rockefeller Drive. Several guests commented on the high vaulted ceiling, attractive lighting and green trim that is part of the new design.
MRMC Chief Executive Officer Steve Mahan thanked Mayor Wren Stratton and other city officials for working with Capella during the process of leasing the hospital to his company. He also thanked members of the former and current board.
Members of the Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce coordinated a symbolic ribbon cutting with representatives and employees of the hospital and the city.
Capella then presented the city a $25,000 check to help fund the new swim and fitness center.
Ken Laubenstein, vice president of Support Services, who has overseen the expansion for the hospital since its official start in 2004, said he felt very gratified.
“The majority of it is done, and it’s working for us,” he said. “It’s large enough for our future growth, and it’s functional for what we need.”
Chamber President Sue Harris said the attractive appearance represents the MRMC staff’s general attitude.
“When you walk in, you have a feeling of professionalism that is characteristic of the hospital,” she said.
Harris said MRMC provides health care and employment for people from all over eastern Oklahoma. She also described a link between MRMC and area schools like Connors State College, Indian Capital Technology Center, and Bacone College.
“And with our education system, we’re able to provide nurses and staff to the hospital.”
Kathy Lawrence, manager of Nursing Services, said the new floor plan surrounding the operating rooms has removed barriers for doctors and nurses.
“This has brought three different areas together,” she said. “It’s now more of a group effort.”
Operating rooms themselves are also very different, Lawrence said.
“The old operating rooms were smaller, and staff would have to move equipment in to prepare for surgery,” she said. “The new rooms are self contained, with much of the equipment suspended on a boom, so it’s quickly available. It means we now have more time to focus on the patient.”
Betty Ballard, a former pharmacy tech buyer for MRMC who retired in 2003, said she went to the opening to see the new entrance and facilities.
“I think it will greatly benefit the community,” she said. “It’s an advantage for Muskogee and the surrounding areas also.”
Ballard, who worked at MRMC for 33 years, said the expansion was necessary.
“Everything needs to change at some point,” she said. “We’ve got keep up to date.”
