Business & Tech

Swedish Medical Center Facility Celebrates Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting

Sammamish Mayor Don Gerend and Issaquah Mayor Ava Frisinger join Swedish Issaquah executives in opening the new hospital doors during a VIP ribbon cutting and reception.

The  in the Issaquah Highlands opened to a VIP crowd Thursday.

A ceremonial ribbon cutting by Swedish Medical Center President Rodney Hochman was followed by a formal reception. Swedish executives were joined by community representatives including Sammamish Mayor Don Gerend and Issaquah Mayor Ava Frisinger.

Chief Strategic Officer Kevin Brown introduced Hochman and Frisinger as they joined hands to cut the long, blue ribbon against a backdrop which included the new facility's senior staff and leadership.

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"We have incredible talent at the Swedish organization. When you develop a campus like this, you're not on your own," Brown said. 

"Thanks to the spouses, families, significant others and pets who haven't seen their owners in the last two years," he added jokingly.

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Attendees were treated to a selection of complimentary appetizers and beverages, including wine and Starbucks coffee. 

Guided tours of the facility, including the oncology wing, the emergency room and the operating facilities were offered after the ribbon cutting.

Facility staff were made available to show attendees samples of the new campus' retail products and cafeteria selections, as well.

The reception itself took place an hour after the ribbon cutting, where Brown took the opportunity to thank all who had helped in the building of the facility from the start.

In particular, he thanked Chuck Salmon, executive director, Susan Gillespie, project manager, and John Milne, medical director for their efforts. 

Brown personally handed each person commemorative ornamental pieces as a reward for their involvement and help with the project.

"This is an amazing place. The entire region will soon enjoy the expanded medical care offered by this campus and this system. The hospital is a tremendous fit for the Issaquah community," Issaquah Mayor Ava Frisinger said.

Brown said that the facility was designed from the ground up not to resemble a typical hospital. 

The emergency room facilities in particular emphasize swift service without sacrificing quality or efficiency. The ER doesn't have a waiting room to underscore that concept.

"This institution embodies where health care needs to go and where it needs to be," Hochman said. "It was built for the needs of the community and for patients 30 years from now."

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell was also scheduled to make an appearance but was delayed in Washington D.C. and not able to attend the reception.

"Swedish has embodied community growth and leadership with the development of their new Issaquah campus," Cantwell said in a written statement.

Also in attendance was Sammamish Mayor Don Gerend, who toured the facility for the first time. 

"I like the theme of the facility," Gerend said. "This place, not necessarily feeling like a hospital, is something everybody should pick up on. You walk in and it feels like Microsoft Foundation headquarters. Overall, the campus has exceeded all my expectations."

The reception was a prelude to the open house to be held Saturday, followed by the opening of emergency room and outpatient services July 14. 

All of the facility's 175 inpatient beds will become available over the next two years.

 


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