[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 96 (Wednesday, June 11, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1194]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               SAINT CATHERINE HOSPITAL 80TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 2008

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great sincerity and 
appreciation that I stand today to recognize the 80th anniversary of 
Saint Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, Indiana. For the past 80 
years, Saint Catherine Hospital has served the city of East Chicago and 
the citizens of northwest Indiana by offering quality care to those in 
need.
  In the 1920s, recognizing the need for a healthcare facility in the 
heavily industrialized city of East Chicago, Indiana, community and 
business leaders began investigating the possibility of building a 
hospital within city limits. With the guidance of the Manufacturers 
Association of East Chicago and the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ 
(Ancilla Domini Sisters), a committee was appointed, led by Colonel 
Walter J. Riley. Due to the tireless efforts of these community and 
business leaders to formulate plans and raise money, Saint Catherine 
Hospital opened its doors on May 17, 1928.
  Over the years, with the continued support of the Riley family and 
the Inland Steel Ryerson Foundation, the hospital flourished, 
increasing not only the number of beds but also the depth of its 
services. The medical staff at this time became well-known for their 
innovation and medical advancements, eventually creating the first 
school of x-ray technology in 1936. In addition, Saint Catherine 
Hospital became a very important location in the fight against polio, 
and in 1963, was the venue for the first open-heart operation. 
Expansion of the hospital continued through the years with new wings 
and remodeling, a new patient tower in 1987, and the Family Birthing 
Center in 1997.
  In 2001, Donald S. Powers, a true visionary and one of northwest 
Indiana's finest citizens, brought together Saint Catherine Hospital, 
Community Hospital in Munster, and the Saint Mary Medical Center in 
Hobart to create the Community Healthcare System. From this vision 
emerged a partnership that would allow these outstanding hospitals to 
work together instead of competing with each other, resulting in one of 
America's best integrated healthcare delivery systems.
  Subsequently, a $2.5 million MRI system was added at Saint Catherine 
Hospital and in 2002, a $2.2 million renovation of the emergency room 
was completed. In 2005, the CyberKnife Center opened, which brought the 
Community Healthcare System its most impressive piece of technology to 
date. Recently, Saint Catherine Hospital was awarded the 2008 
HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence, 
making it the third consecutive year that the hospital has received 
this award.
  In honor of the 80th anniversary celebration, Saint Catherine 
Hospital will recognize the companies and individuals who have aided in 
the construction and enhancement of the hospital. -These honorees are: 
Donald S. Powers, ArcelorMittal Steel, ASF Keystone, BP, NIPSCO, the 
Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ (Ancilla Domini Sisters), the Block 
family, and the Riley family.
  Madam Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in congratulating these honorees, as well as the 
staff and administration of Saint Catherine Hospital, past and present, 
who have spent the past 80 years providing quality healthcare services 
to the people of northwest Indiana. Through their efforts and their 
standards of excellence, many in the northwest Indiana community have 
had the opportunity to enhance their lives. It is the compassion and 
commitment of facilities like Saint Catherine Hospital that make 
northwest Indiana such a great community, and they are to be commended 
for their selflessness and dedication.




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