[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1787]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




A TRIBUTE IN RECOGNITION OF THE 125 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF GOOD SAMARITAN 
                         HOSPITAL, LOS ANGELES

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 125th 
anniversary of Good Samaritan Hospital located in Downtown Los Angeles 
in my congressional district.
   Since 1885, when the hospital was founded as a 9-bed infirmary by 
Sister Mary Wood, the hospital has been fulfilling its mission to 
provide accessible, quality, cost-effective and compassionate health 
services to the community.
   A year after its founding, the facility adopted its current-day name 
in tribute to a Good Samaritan--Mrs. Mark Severance--who donated $4,000 
for the purchase of land for the construction of its first hospital 
building.
   Today, Good Samaritan Hospital located at 616 South Witmer Street in 
Downtown Los Angeles is much more than a community hospital. With 408 
licensed beds, the hospital has earned a reputation as a world-class 
academic medical center that is affiliated with the USC Keck School of 
Medicine.
   For 4 years in a row, Good Samaritan has been recognized as ``One of 
America's 50 Best Hospitals'' by HealthGrades, Inc., the nation's 
leading independent health care ratings company. U.S. News & World 
Report also recognized Good Samaritan as one of ``America's Best 
Hospitals for Top Medical Care in 16 Specialties'' in 1998.
   In addition to providing outstanding diagnostic, surgical and 
therapeutic care in a state-of-the-art setting, Good Samaritan supports 
eight Centers of Excellence that focus on advancing the science of 
medicine while providing outstanding patient care. The hospital's 
acclaimed oncology program, for example, offers the widest range of 
options for gynecological, breast, brain and prostate cancers.
   Under the leadership of Charles T. Munger, head of the hospital's 
Board of Trustees, and Andrew B. Leeka, the hospital's president and 
chief executive officer, Good Samaritan admits approximately 17,000 
patients annually (excluding births, which would add approximately 
3,600 more to the total) and handles more than 93,500 outpatient 
visits. More than 7,500 surgeries are performed annually in 18 surgical 
suites.
   Good Samaritan is also a sizeable employer in the community. The 
hospital employs more than 1,500 employees, including approximately 650 
physicians and 550 nurses on its medical staff. Together, the medical 
staff and employees speak more than 54 languages and dialects, a direct 
reflection of the hospital's international reputation and diverse 
patient base.
   The broad range of renowned medical services and programs at Good 
Samaritan include the Heart Institute, which offers a complete heart 
care program including invasive and non-invasive cardiology, 
electrophysiology and cardiothoracic surgery. The Neurosciences program 
features Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for brain tumors. The Orthopedic 
Institute combines many subspecialties together in one centralized 
location designed to take care of any orthopedic problem including 
serious injuries to the pelvis, hip and knees.
   The hospital also offers specialized medical services that include a 
state-of-the-art Gastroenterology Program, Women's Health Services 
(obstetrics, gynecology, gynecologic-oncology, perinatology, neonatal 
intensive care, breast care and assisted reproductive services), 
Ophthalmologic care (including retinal surgery), Ear, Nose and Throat 
(ENT) treatment, comprehensive Oncology Services (including High-Dose 
Rate and IMRT treatment), the busiest Kidney Stone Service in the 
western U.S., and a Transfusion-Free Medicine & Surgery Center.
   Other special services include housing accommodations for patients 
and families at the Weingart Guest House located on the hospital campus 
and specialized ground and air transport programs for critically ill 
cardiac and maternity patients. Plans are also underway for the 
completion of the hospital's new Medical Plaza & Outpatient Pavilion in 
2012.
   Good Samaritan also provides significant community outreach. In the 
last Community Benefit Plan update, the quantifiable costs to Good 
Samaritan Hospital for its community benefits activities totaled more 
than $21.4 million, including unreimbursed medical care, services to 
vulnerable populations, and funding for health research, education and 
training.
   Madam Speaker, I have had the privilege of working closely with Good 
Samaritan Hospital over the years. I have seen firsthand the important 
role the hospital plays in improving the health of our communities and 
I am very proud to have a top-notch hospital such as Good Samaritan in 
my district.
   I ask my colleagues to please join me in congratulating Good 
Samaritan on its 125th anniversary of serving the health care needs of 
families in our community and I extend to this world class medical 
facility, and all of the individuals who make it the success that it is 
today, many more years of healing, growth and innovation.

                          ____________________