July 10, 2017
By Paragon News Director Paul Joseph –
- Photo Courtesy of Sayre Record Connie Ferrero
Sayre’s long-awaited hospital has opened its doors and has already begun admitting patients.
After a year and a half, the hospital has unlocked its front doors on Monday and began welcoming patients and neighbors.
Robert Hicks, Sayre Community Hospital’s owner and CEO says it’s been almost one year since he signed the initial papers to purchase the hospital. So after a year of anticipation, he’s glad this day is finally here.
It was July 17, 2016 when Hicks sat down with representatives from the former hospital, Sayre Memorial Hospital to purchase the building.
He says the hospital opens with 65 people on staff and looks to add a few more RN’s. He believes he’ll be at his desired 90 employees soon.
But as far as medical doctors, he’s well-staffed.
The earlier hospital, Sayre Memorial, closed its doors on February 1, 2016. Since then, a number of former employees have come back to work as well as new employees.
Allison Baker, the hospital’s Director of Health Information and Management as well as the hospital’s Marketing Director says its been a long journey to get here – to opening day.
At 8:45 Monday morning, the registration desk was busy with possible new patients.
Hicks says the hospital’s grand opening and ribbon cutting celebration is this Saturday at 11 am. He says there’ll be lots of hot dogs, cake, punch and other treats available for anyone that wants to come to check out the new hospital and be a part of the festive occasion.
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