Kent Hospital: A pillar of community for 65 years

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A lot has changed in health care as we all know. With all the discussion of bottom lines and budgets, it might be easy to forget that Kent Hospital has reached a very important milestone and one that speaks volumes to our longevity and commitment to the health and well-being of those in our care.

May 1 marked Kent Hospital’s 65th anniversary of serving the community, providing care for the infirmed and helping our neighbors traverse the path to good health. Despite the many challenges that might arise, and you can be sure we have seen our share, we steadfastly remain committed to our mission squarely centered on compassion and caring. 

Much has changed since that night in 1945 when a group of concerned and committed physicians gathered at the home of Dr. Arthur Hardy, in Warwick. Those doctors, Young, Taggart, Farrell and Merrill, along with their host that evening, conceived the plan for Kent County Memorial Hospital, which would open six years later in 1951.

Today, this vision is a reality that exists in the form of a sprawling campus covering 57 acres, employing nearly 2,100 people, maintaining a medical staff of 600 physicians representing an impressive array of clinical expertise and diverse specialties. With 359 beds, an emergency department that sees 70,000 patients a year, a flourishing graduate medical education program and clinical programs offering advanced care closer to home, I like to think our founders would be proud. I know I am and so should our staff and community.

But behind all of the bricks and mortar, apart from the services and advancements, the common thread that binds this hospital from its most formative years to the present is people.

There are countless stories to be told. They represent hope, recovery, new life and lives gone by. There are examples of wonderful staff, amazing doctors, memorable patients and extraordinary commitment. This is a hallmark of the past 65 years and will continue to be so for the future.

I know that people may view a hospital as a depressing place, a quick stop to visit an ailing friend or family member. But I choose to view this hospital – Kent Hospital – for what it truly represents, a pillar of the community and the state for the past 65 years. The stories these walls hold and our critically important work come to life only because of all the wonderful people who have devoted their lives to caring for others and creating a place of comfort and healing.

Michael J. Dacey, MD is president and COO, Kent Hospital.

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