Rodgerson spoke Wednesday, 60 years to the day, since the first Community Hospital opened and said she recalls that celebration as if it were yesterday.
“It was the biggest day in this community that I can remember,” she recalled for the crowd gathered for the 60th anniversary celebration.
That first celebration, and the 60th anniversary celebration were picnic-like, outdoor events.
Health and Wellness minister Robert Henderson admitted in his remarks that the hospital has faced challenges and changes in its 60 years, and Rodgerson agreed with that assessment.
“We’re tough out here, she said. “When the going gets rough we get tougher.” She recalled how supporters of the hospital once blocked the Western Road to emphasize their opposition to planned changes, and that someone once removed the cornerstone from the hospital in protest.
“We didn't win all the battles, but we’ve got quite a nucleus of services here now,” she acknowledged.
Rodgerson said she never doubted that the hospital would be around for 60 years. “Because we just don’t go away easily,” she said.
She welcomed Henderson’s announcement Wednesday that Telestroke services are being expanded to CHO. “This is a much-needed addition,” she said.
The hospital, Henderson noted, has 39.95 fulltime equivalent (FTE positions). When the attached Margaret Stewart Ellis long-term care home is added, the number of FTEs climbs to more than 80, and the total number of T-4s issued each year exceeds 120.
Minister Henderson commended the Foundation and the Ladies Auxiliary for their fundraising efforts for the hospital, and Rodgerson gave assurances the Foundation will continue to fundraise and to advocate.
Their latest ask, she said, is for an ambulatory care nurse. “If they can have 13 new positions for Prince County for their new addition, one would be a small ask,” she suggested.