Funny ... it doesn’t look a day over 99
The 13 doctors who “birthed” the predecessor hospital to CGH Medical Center in 1909 would be pleasantly surprised, if not shocked, at how much their “baby” has grown.
That hospital now serves 5,800 patients a year, employs 910 people, and operates on an annual budget of $116 million.
Such a “baby” is worth celebrating, and today’s proud CGH officials have geared up to do just that.
During the next year, hospital leaders have plenty in store to observe a century of service to the Sauk Valley.
Along with unveiling a unique mural last week featuring 2,800 pictures of past and present employees, the hospital has historical and social events planned through early next autumn for employees and the general public.
The hospital has had a succession of names: Sterling Public Hospital, Community General Hospital, and, for the past 20 years, CGH Medical Center.
Through the years, and its various name changes, CGH’s record of caring for the community has grown only stronger.
The importance of having large, strong, multiservice hospitals in the Sauk Valley – such as CGH and its neighbor to the east, KSB Hospital in Dixon, which had its 100th anniversary in 1997 – cannot be overestimated.
Some people may tend to take hospitals for granted, but in case of emergency, it’s comforting to know such fine facilities are there, ready to provide top-notch health care services.
A century after those 13 doctors brought it into the world, CGH is doing just fine, thank you.
To CGH Medical Center administrators, board members and staff, our best wishes for a very happy birthday.
