Contributed by Peter Fielding
Last Thursday was both memorable and important for our Collington community.
After a long period of discussion, lasting some ten years, the University of Maryland and our Maryland state agencies have partnered to create a new state of the art Medical Center less than two miles from our Collington campus.
Under the very entertaining and skilled Master of Ceremonies, Charlene Dukes (President, Prince Georges Community College), a dozen speakers had variations on the same themes: partnerships; recognition of local healthcare needs; the politics of money; and the duration of what was called a “spirited negotiation” which was needed to reach ultimate agreement.
Both well-established representatives and those seeking higher office were on the program and most of them spoke: Seamon, Moore, Reece, Chrencik, Hogan, Cardin, Van Hollen, Hoyer, Brown, Davis, Busch, Miller, and Baker.
However, it was the last speaker, The Honorable Rushern L. Baker III, PG County Executive, who had been the major driving force keeping the vision moving forward who spoke for the majority. He was quiet, humble, sincere, and clearly personally moved by the fact that the people of our region will now be better served when the first phase of the Medical Center, and some of the related retail and office developments, come on line within 3 – 4 years. Baker was given a standing ovation by the 450 guests (which included a small contingent from Collington). All the guests were clearly very engaged; lots of animated chatter; lots of handshakes; and quite a lot of hugs.
It was a good day for a future which promises to meet some of Collington’s core health needs. So very refreshing.
Hospital details when all phases complete:
- Main Tower: 11 levels; 2 rooftop helipads, 595,744 sq. ft.
- Acute care licensed beds (private): 205
- Adult Observation/Short Stay beds: 20
- ER treatment bays: 45
- Operating rooms: 8
Core Programs & Specialty Centers:
- Level II Trauma Center
- Level III Neonatal Intensive Care
- Cardiac STEMI/Cardiac Surgery Center
- Designated Stroke Center
- Cancer Program
- Critical Care Medicine
- Emergency Services
- Neurosciences
- Orthopedics
- Women’s Services