[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 146 (Friday, October 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2073]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING OF UHHS BEDFORD MEDICAL CENTER

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 17, 2003

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
UHHS Bedford Medical Center on the occasion of its 75th anniversary of 
service to the community. Originally no more than four beds on the 
second floor of a private home in Bedford, the hospital has grown 
through the years to keep pace with an expanding population and the 
demand for high quality accessible medical care.
  UHHS Bedford Medical Center originally opened as the Bedford 
Municipal Hospital on November 29, 1928. The community strongly 
supported this hospital through passing 5 levies between 1943 and 1952. 
By 1956, the hospital was known as Bedford Community Hospital and 
boasted many new and modern departments and amenities. In 1962, the 
Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations 
accredited the hospital for the first time. The hospital continued to 
grow, adding a new wing and surgical facilities. In 1979, the name was 
changed to The Community Hospital of Bedford. It continued to expand 
and, by 1984, the hospital achieved its current capacity of 110 beds.
  On November 30, 1993, the University Hospital Health System purchased 
the hospital, ushering in an era of rapid growth and innovation, adding 
a state of the art Outpatient Surgery Center and the Bretschneider 
Women's Unit offering enhanced obstetrics and gynecological services. 
Bedford Medical Center is continuing to grow: in 2001, adjoining land 
was purchased to augment Bedford Medical Center's current facilities.
  Bedford Medical Center represents a model of collaboration and 
success evidenced by the relationships established between the Board of 
Trustees, the physicians and staff. Growth has been a key word in the 
hospital's history. A key to the hospital's growth is an unparalleled 
staff that focuses on keeping patients and the staff satisfied, well 
cared for, healthy and happy.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of Bedford Medical Center on its Diamond Anniversary of serving over 
260,000 residents in Southeast Cuyahoga and Northern Portage and Summit 
Counties. In tribute to the hospital's rich tradition of commitment to 
the community, let us celebrate these last 75 years with motto--
Generations of Caring. I hope that the Bedford Medical Center will 
continue to serve and care for its community for at least another 75 
years.

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