Windber Medical Center Dedicates New Hospice Center Today

September 15, 2000

CONTACT: Roxann Berkey
Phone: (814) 467-6419
Email: rberkey@conemaugh.org

Windber Medical Center Hospice

Windber, PA. -- A wave of emotion swept over a gathering of hospice staff, volunteers, financial contributors, and special guests today as Windber Medical Center's expansive 14,000 sq.ft. Hospice Center officially opened its doors. Ground was broken for the $1.3 Million facility 17 months ago. Nearly all the construction expense was covered by donations from area businesses and residents.

Windber Medical Center is associated with Conemaugh Health System. Opening ceremonies included remarks from Dr. Joann Lynn, President, Americans for Better Care of the Dying and Director, RAND Center To Improve Care for the Dying. Two of the three area residents who helped found the local hospice center, the oldest rural hospice center in Pennsylvania, were present at today's official opening and recognized for their work. Frankie Bock and Frank Cunsolo assisted Dr. Earl Shope, developer and coordinator of the hospice volunteer program. Dr.Shope was out of town today.

Rich in paneled woods and larded with facilities and equipment to ease the pain and suffering of both the dying patients in four completed units and to make rallying family members comfortable, the new center is also the official headquarters for Windber's Home Hospice staff and 65 volunteers. Roxann Berkey, Program Partner at Windber Medical Center is in charge of the Hospice Center. David Klementik, Chairman of Windber Medical Center applauded the work of the Hospice staff and volunteers and noted "I don't quite understand the mentality much less the strength of those professionals, and the nearly one hundred volunteers who year after year care for the dying but I am grateful for their presence. Truly there's is a special calling."

Introduced by Nick Jacobs, President of Windber Medical Center, Dr. Lynn referred to her recent testimony before the Senate Special Committee on Aging in describing the change in perceptions relating to aging and death. "Until recently, the fact that aging people inevitably die was simply swept off the agenda in public policy...The care system was well designed to ensure that surgery was readily available, but it simply did not anticipate the need of people who would require medications and home health aides as they faced an eventually fatal chronic illness. We are learning to do better", she said, citing the fact we are asking different questions. But she acknowledged there is much to learn.

"Our most pressing need is to use what we already know about relieving suffering...the person in pain today does not have to wait for a better drug to be developed...the person who wants to die at home need no new device," Dr. Lynn continued. "Indeed, what we need is to learn how to ensure quality, reliability, and efficiency."

Lynn claimed we have only a few years to learn. "If we continue to do no better than we do now, the suffering will be overwhelming, and the costs will be crippling. If we learn to do better and to deploy our knowledge effectively," she continued, "we could instead have an end of life that is comfortable and meaningful in a care system that is sustainable."

During the ceremonies, Jacobs recognized hospice employees, hospice volunteers and specific organizations and individuals who made special contributions to the new facility, including The Whalley Foundation; Northern EMS and Aaron Ciccon; and families and friends of current and past patients. Jacobs also announced that plaques will be placed in the new facility honoring the contributions of The Whalley Foundation, Frankie Bock, Lillian Shima, Frank Consolo and Jerry Ledney.

Windber Medical Center Hospice is now open and accepting new patients. For additional information, contact Hospice Program Manager Roxann Berkey at tel: (814) 467-6419