[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 97 (Thursday, July 12, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1330-E1331]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR OF ST. JOHN WEST SHORE HOSPITAL

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 12, 2001

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor St. John West Shore 
Hospital in commemoration of its 20th anniversary. Since its 
establishment in 1981, the hospital has been faithfully serving the 
needs of western Cuyahoga and eastern Lorian county residents.
  Since its induction as a fledgling medical facility on March 1, 1981, 
St. John West Shore Hospital has subsequently expanded and broadened 
its services, making it a bastion of service and charity for the 
Westlake community. The hospital's initial years were filled with 
uncertainty, but its current success renders the institution an emblem 
of triumph and progress for us all to admire. The Westlake community 
welcomed and supported the hospital since its induction as a medical 
facility, forging the reciprocal relationship that has been so integral 
to the hospital's survival and growth. A testament to this mutual 
support and rapport was the monumental opening of Medical Buildings 2 
and 3.
  In 1989, the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine became the sole 
sponsors of the hospital, setting the framework for the hospital's 
establishment as an institution dedicated to the well-being of the 
community. However, the hospital does not qualify it services to solely 
the physical needs of the Westlake residents, but also nurtures their 
spiritual needs as witnessed by its induction of the annual Festival of 
the Arts in 1992. In line with its commitment to serving the public, 
the facility pays arduous attention to the needs of each individual. To 
expedite the fulfillment of each patient's particular and unique needs, 
the hospital became part of a not-for-profit juncture in 1999, under 
the auspices of University Hospitals Health System and the Sisters of 
Charity of St. Augustine Health System. This Joint effort further 
compounded the hospitals' steadfast dedication and mission as a health 
care advocate at the service of its people.
  I laud St. John West Shore Hospital on its 20th anniversary in 
sincere awe and reverence for its magnanimous and unrelenting efforts 
in the service of the residents of Westlake.

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