Central Texas Medical Center Celebrates Anniversary, Groundbreaking
San Marcos, TX – The first baby born at Central Texas Medical Center (CTMC) on Wonder World Drive in 1983 was the highlight of the 25th Anniversary and Groundbreaking celebration held on the site where the facility’s new, two-story, 64,000 square foot, $35 million dollar expansion will open in late 2009. Diana Bullock Ormand returned to CTMC along with her family to participate in the activities. To follow the expansion progress, visit: http://www.ctmc.org/AboutUs/35MillionExpansion/tabid/6253/Default.aspx
More than 200 physicians, employees, volunteers and community leaders braved the hot afternoon central Texas sun to participate in the ceremony, which also featured recognition of current physicians, volunteers, employees and board members who were present when the hospital opened in 1983.
Ormand was one of several individuals who spoke from the heart about how CTMC touched their lives. “My parents had just moved to the area. They didn’t have a lot of money and were worried about how they were going to pay for their medical bills,” said Ormand. “Because I ended up being the first baby born, the hospital graciously offered to pay for everything. God was working through the hospital then and I look forward to what He will do in the future,” she added.
Speaker after speaker, from San Marcos Mayor Susan Narvaiz to Hays County Judge Liz Sumter to the still working, 48-year-CTMC-veteran Lucy Leal, (who spoke on behalf of all CTMC associates), shared personal testimony about the difference CTMC has made in their lives and the lives of their families and community.
“This was a very special and momentous day for us,” said President and CEO Gary Jepson. “It was a true privilege to participate in such a moving ceremony and be reminded of all the wonderful things our health ministry does each day.”
Following the remarks and an impromptu presentation of a birthday cake to Ormand, the speakers donned CTMC hard hats and gold shovels to officially “turn the soil” for the new facility. The ceremony was also highlighted by the creation of a time capsule, containing messages and memorabilia provided by those in attendance, slated to be placed inside a wall in the new facility and opened on Sept. 4, 2033 when the hospital will commemorate another 25 years of service.
Within his remarks, Jepson also informed the crowd that the project was on budget and, “Actually running a little ahead of schedule with a projected opening date late 2009, rather than the early 2010 mentioned when the project was first announced.”
The new addition will include a new Childbirth Center, a Level II Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU), a new cardiac telemetry inpatient nursing unit, and an expansion and renovation of the facility’s surgical suites. Upon completion, CTMC will grow to a 139-bed facility with all-private rooms.