[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 6, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E4]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN RECOGNITION OF BOB MERWIN

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 6, 2015

  Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Bob Merwin, the Chief 
Executive Officer of Mills-Peninsula Health Services, who is retiring 
after a remarkable 27-year-career there and a lifelong career in health 
care. Bob knew early on that hospital administration would be his 
future and his passion.
  Under his leadership for almost three decades Bob proved what he 
often said--that he is not afraid of change. He led Mills-Peninsula 
through major changes and transitions and is leaving it prepared for a 
long and strong future.
  Bob came to Mills-Peninsula in 1987 as the Executive Vice President, 
rose to Chief Operating Officer and then in 1991 to CEO. One of his 
biggest and most recent accomplishments was the building and opening of 
the state-of-the-art Mills-Peninsula Medical Center in 2011. The 241-
bed, 450,000 square foot hospital features private rooms with 21st 
century patient life technology, electronic charting and online 
capabilities that allow for efficient communication, family sleeping 
accommodations, advanced earthquake technology designed to withstand an 
8.5 quake, and a top-notch emergency department. It also has its own 
chef preparing sustainably and locally grown food for patients, staff 
and for special events for the public.
  Looking at the 241-bed hospital today, it is humbling to remember its 
beginnings. Founded by Elizabeth Mills Reid, the Church of St. Matthew 
Red Cross Guild opened in San Mateo in 1908 with just six beds. It was 
later renamed Mills Memorial Hospital. Due to significant growth during 
the following decades, Peninsula Hospital opened in 1954 in Burlingame. 
In 1985, Mills and Peninsula merged into Mills-Peninsula Health 
Services. Bob oversaw the integration of both hospitals. He was also at 
the helm for the next large merger with Sutter Health System in 1996 
striving to further strengthening the system of care.
  Under Bob's leadership, Mills-Peninsula developed and opened the 
first community hospital Breast Center with advanced diagnostic 
technologies, the Mack E. Mickelson Arthritis Center, the Family Birth 
Center, the Dorothy E. Schneider Cancer Center, the Women's Center, and 
a Behavioral Health facility. During the years leading up to national 
health reform, Bob kept his optimism and focus on building an 
organization that cares for its community.
  In his career and in life, Bob has had a strong partner equally 
committed to health care. He married to Jean Merwin, a nurse for Sutter 
Care at Home, in 1999. The two first met in the early 70s when they 
both worked at Long Beach Community Hospital. Bob went on to earn his 
Master's Degree in Hospital Administration from UCLA and become the 
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Pacific 
Presbyterian Medical Center in San Francisco. Jean moved to the 
Mendocino Coast and worked as an administrator for a non-profit clinic. 
Nearly 20 years later, Bob and Jean re-connected at a conference on the 
Mendocino Coast. Between the two of them they have three children, two 
grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
  In their well-deserved retirement, Bob and Jean are looking forward 
to spending more time with family and pursue their common passion for 
golf.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me to 
honor Bob Merwin for his remarkable career and dedication to health 
care. He has built Mills-Peninsula Health Services into an organization 
that will serve patients, provide jobs and advance our health care 
system for decades to come.

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