Claudia Simmons gave us a big greeting at the door.
President Maygarden called the meeting to order. Charlie Sherrill led us with the prayer and pledge. Hugh Hamilton introduced military guests, visitors and visiting Rotarians. Hugh recognized Birthdays. Hugh shared with us Sunshine comments. The Rotary Rooters provided music and songs. Hugh recognized Birthdays President Jerry reminded members that a board meeting would be held in Baptist Towers. All members are invited to attend. Sam Goldenberg is back home and feeling better. Chris Pate was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow and received a sapphire pin for this second contribution.
Dr. Jimmy Jones, Nemours Children’s Hospital, introduced the day’s guest speaker, President and CEO Patrick Madden of Sacred Heart Health Systems. Patrick gave us an overview of what Sacred Heart Health Systems included by sharing the early history of Sacred Heart Hospital, their current systems and standings and a vision for the future.
He said that Sacred Heart along with the Navy Hospital were the firsts in Escambia County in 1915 to provide healthcare. The 12 th Avenue hospital started our with 25 beds and cost $1.50 per day. The early nursing school that began there has been transferred to Pensacola Junior College. Today, Sacred Heart Hospital has 500 beds, adult care, women and children’s care, all clinical specialties except burns and organ transplants. Also, that Sacred Heart Hospital serves as a teaching hospital for residents.
Sacred Heart Health Systems today encompasses hospitals in Pensacola, Destin, Port St. Joe and is part of the Ascension Health System that represents 6 acute care facilities, 3 nursing homes from New Orleans to Jacksonville which consists of 15,000 employees and a 1.5 billion dollar budget. He pointed out that Sacred Heart makes quite an economic and healthcare impact in the community.
Patrick commented on the new road behind the hospital as being a federal government & state project. He said currently the hospital has 4500 employees, a 550 million annual budget. The hospital has grown from 700,000 sq ft to 1.6 million square feet. There are plans to build a new hospital in Port St. Joe. The future capital investments at $400 million include a new children’s hospital, new ICU tower, M D Anderson Cancer Center and 3 new office buildings. He is interested in positioning Pensacola in a regional perspective with headquarters in Pensacola while working with Ascension in a national perspective. Ascension is an 18 billion dollar organization. He closed with noting that Pensacola is a leader in healthcare as it is the largest industry here and is the fastest growing industry in the US. He also noted that it is a “clean industry”. He said there are many challenges but asked that the community continue to “support us”.
President Jerry thanked Mr. Madden and said that we will continue with our programs on healthcare for this month. President Jerry thanked all for their help from greeting to selling tickets, for Sunshine, Prayer, Pledge and to the Rotary Rooters. He closed with “Rotary Shares”.
Theo Baars Jr., January 31: Pensacola, Florida, 34 years
Brian Masterson, February 3: Pensacola, Florida, 5 years
Leonardo Swartz, February 3: Brooklyn, New York, 22 years
Gary Lee, February 5: Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 2 years
Norris McMahon, February 5: Meridian, Mississippi, 3 years
The Ethics in Business Award will be presented on Monday, May 5, 2008 at our Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola luncheon at New World Landing. If you would like to nominate an individual from the public/non-profit sector or from the private sector, please pick up a nomination form at Tuesday’s meeting. All nominations must be received by April 4, 2008.