[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 71 (Monday, May 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E931-E932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CHILDREN'S NATIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 23, 2011

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, Ned Zechman's retirement as President and CEO 
of Children's National Medical Center reminds us of the debt of 
gratitude that we owe him and the institution that he has led for more 
than 16 years.
  Children's National is an invaluable resource for the national 
capital area and an inspiring model for the entire nation.
  Throughout Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, families 
appreciate that Children's National is the only exclusive provider

[[Page E932]]

of pediatric care in the Washington metropolitan area. When children 
have illnesses or injuries that require specialized diagnosis and 
treatment, parents throughout the region can count on Children's 
internationally recognized team of pediatric healthcare professionals.
  Families in my congressional district, including Calvert, Charles, 
St. Mary's, Anne Arundel, and Prince George's Counties know that 
friendly, smiling bear--the widely recognized symbol of Children's 
National--is looking out for our kids.
  Over the past decade-and-a-half, under Ned Zechman's leadership, 
Children's National has expanded its services to our region and our 
Nation. Annual admissions increased by more than 28 percent to more 
than 13,000. Emergency Department visits increased by 35 percent to 
more than 83,000. Surgeries increased by an extraordinary 88 percent to 
more than 14,000. Diagnostic procedures increased by 36 percent to a 
remarkable total of more than 100,000.
  During Ned Zechman's years as CEO, Children's National provided a 
model for the Nation in one more way. The institution is not only an 
example of social responsibility--it is an example of fiscal 
responsibility.
  When Mr. Zechman arrived, Children's National, like many healthcare 
institutions, faced numerous threats to its fiscal solvency and found 
it difficult to compete in a changing environment. With Ned's 
leadership, Children's National adopted a new business model, increased 
fundraising, and stabilized its finances.
  Ned Zechman's living legacy is a unique and thriving institution 
dedicated to providing the highest quality health care services to the 
Nation's children and their families: Children's National Medical 
Center. I wish Ned all the best and thank him for many years of service 
to our region.

                          ____________________