On April 21, 1974 when ground was broken for the construction of Anderson Hospital, the attendees could not have imagined what the hospital would look like on its 45th anniversary. It required a few years for the hospital’s financial performance to provide the funds for further growth in services and facilities but when the growth started, it never stopped! So, as we look at our hospital today and the array of services, satellite facilities and affiliated organizations serving communities throughout Madison and Macoupin counties … it is clear that the Board of Trustees, Medical staff, hospital staff and volunteers have been excellent stewards of this important community resource. 2022 will be a year of celebration and recognition of the dedication and commitment of all those who have been a part of Anderson’s success story. The hospital Board today still includes two members that were part of the hospital’s early history; Frank Flanigan and Robert Ciuferi. The Medical staff still includes one active member from the hospital’s opening in 1977; Dr. Shafique Ahmad. And Kat Bean from Material’s Management is the remaining staff member from the hospital’s opening year. Finally, the Auxiliary still includes members who joined in 1977 and earlier! While these ladies have retired from service, they continue to hold the honor as Emeritus Members: Alice Kerkmeyer, Darlene Loyet, Connie Schoenleber, Mary Lou Schultze, and Delores Stephens. Karen Phelps, who joined in 1977, continues as an active member volunteering regularly with patient services! How fortunate the hospital is to have these individuals after 45 years!
We have all heard stories about the hospital’s family atmosphere when it opened with 367 employees and although it is not quite the same with more than 1,500+ team members throughout all of the affiliated organizations, I still see a strong connection between our staff. This makes a great difference in the care we provide to our patients because it facilitates teamwork, emphasizes collaboration and promotes an environment that focuses on the quality of care of our patients. This teamwork has been so visible and important, especially during the past two years of the pandemic. I am proud to say that I have been part of this hospital team for the past 25 years and look forward to our next milestone in serving the healthcare needs of our community.
Beginning January 5, 2022, the 45th Anniversary year should provide a great start to making Anderson’s next 45 years just as successful. As always, thanks to all of the hospital and affiliated organizational staff for all you do to care for our patients and your contributions toward our success. It is clear that the years ahead will bring many further changes to healthcare but with the exceptional team members and organizations in place at Anderson Healthcare, we are stronger together to face the challenges ahead.