St. Mary Medical Center CEO Updates Chamber on Growth, Role in Community

The Hobart Chamber of Commerce met for their monthly luncheon on Wednesday, with featured keynote speaker Janice Ryba, St. Mary CEO & Administrator. Ryba spoke to the group about the expansion of the facility and the current construction under way.

The $40 million, four story building, will replace the current surgical department and intensive care unit. The first floor will house the new surgical suites, post anaesthesia care unit, phase II recovery unit, and same day surgery. The second level will house the 20 bed intensive care unit and family lounge. The third and fourth floors will be available for future patient needs.

She additionally spoke of the new partnership with the UIC Health System to offer neurosurgical services at St. Mary and the addition of a full-time Neurosurgeon on staff. The newly enhanced services will afford the community the opportunity to receive extensive care locally, eliminating the need to travel elsewhere. The new pavilion is expected to open Summer 2015.

She also addressed the hospital's preparedness with regards to the latest Ebola outbreak. She shared that the hospital staff has extensively trained to prepare for such outbreaks and that they are in contact daily with the Indiana State Department of Health and receive frequent updates from the Center for Disease Control on the latest procedures and treatment.

"St. Mary Medical Center considers itself an integral part of the Hobart Chamber as it is one of the economic engines for the economy in Hobart and their primary care service area. We enjoy being a part of the Chamber and participating heavily, because we really believe we are a community based hospital. A large part of our mission is to collaborate with other businesses in the area and really work together to enhance the health of the community." said Ryba. "The hospital belongs to the community."

Lisa Winstead, Hobart Chamber Executive Director, shared that the chamber has a very close relationship with St. Mary. "A strong hospital equals a strong community. Being the largest employer in Hobart, the hospital is always very supportive of the business community, the Hobart Chamber of Commerce, the city, and the schools system. We all work closely together."

Winstead spoke to the group regarding upcoming events. Following announcements by group members, the meeting was adjourned.