Lewis-Gale Medical Center kicked off its centennial celebration on Tuesday with guided tours of historical displays and today’s latest medical technology. The party then moved to the top deck of the parking garage for children’s activities, Emergency Medical Services events and Lewis-Gale’s ‘Baby Express’ Home-Visit Vehicle Display. Music was provided by Hoppie Vaughan and the James Pace Jazz Band.
Victor Giovanetti, President of HCA Southwest Virginia, provided an overview of the history of Lewis-Gale Medical Center and its accomplishments. The 26-bed hospital had been initially established downtown by Dr. J. Newton Lewis and Dr. Sparrell Simmons Gale, two assistant surgeons for Norfolk & Western Railway in 1909, when Roanoke was a true railroad town. At that time physicians were the heart of the facility and knew that not only would their hospital survive, but would flourish as well.
The hospital later relocated to its current Salem location, and is now a 521-bed medical, surgical and acute-care hospital owned by Hospital Corporation of America [HCA]. The hospital and the healthcare industry have changed significantly since those early days, and yet much has remained the same. “We never allow the healthcare business to get in the way of the business of healthcare,” said Giovanetti. Lewis-Gale and Carilion Clinic are the two major health care players in the Roanoke Valley.
The flagship hospital for HCA’s Southwest Virginia market, Lewis-Gale, has three sister hospitals – Alleghany Regional, Montgomery Regional, and Pulaski Community. Giovanetti remarked, “All four Southwest Virginia hospitals were ranked in the top ten percent nationwide by Anthem and the federal government.”
Lewis-Gale Medical Center now has several outpatient diagnostic imaging and surgical centers; within the last year it has also upgraded numerous areas in medical technology, with new digital equipment for diagnostics and treatment. Two operating rooms have been upgraded as well.
There was a Presentation of Proclamation awarded to Giovanetti for Lewis-Gale Medical Center by Councilwoman Jane Johnson (on behalf of Salem Mayor Randy) Foley. Johnson said Lewis-Gale had been a valuable partner to the Salem community. Pete Larkin, District Director, also spoke on behalf of 6th District Congressman Bob Goodlatte.
The grand finale of the centennial celebration was the unveiling of a 100-year anniversary display, which depicts the history of the hospital. Through collaboration with Lewis-Gale Medical Center the three-dimensional tribute art was designed by Lawrence Romorini, founder of One Of A Kind Art Studio. It will be displayed in the front lobby of the hospital.
By Susan Ayers [email protected]