Excitement builds with new Chatham Hospital
By Mary Bastin, as appeared in the Chatham County Line
For years, people in Siler City have been devoted to Chatham Hospital. The new building is cornerstone in Chatham County’s new industrial park “Central Carolina Business Campus”. Construction is on schedule for a summer 2008 opening.
The families and friends of the hospital, keeping up a long tradition of support, are making sure it will continue its loving and caring treatment of patients. The generosity of Siler City people to the hospital is legend. To start off gifts for the new building, the Horney Brothers, who owned the land sold to Chatham County for the industrial park, gave $25,000 to establish and perpetually maintain a lovely courtyard for patients and their families to enjoy.
Just to mention a few gifts of note, the Rotary Club pledged $100,000 over five years. The Town of Siler City pledged $100,000 and the Townsend Corporation $50,000 over the same period. More and more people want to be partners in the hospital’s future. But more support is needed to reach their $3 million dollar goal.
Chatham Hospital is the only hospital in Chatham County. Founded in 1937, it moved to the existing location in 1950. It has had several additions and been updated from time to time.
The hospital is a private not-for-profit organization with a volunteer Board of Directors. In August 2006, a contract was established with UNC Health Care Systems to oversee management of the facility. That’s how Carol Straight became CEO after years of experience in a much larger venue.
Straight feels she has found something that was missing in her previous professional experience. Giving patients lots of personal attention is something only a small hospital can do well. Having a staff that has been doing this for years is making her feel grateful to be in such a place.
The road into Central Carolina Business Park is not yet paved, just a bit bumpy. However, if you have an opportunity, go see the beautiful site and get in on the excitement. You, too, will want to be a part of this caring community. You may also keep up with progress at their website, www.chathamhospital.org.
