Valley Presbyterian Hospital Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Business Wire, Jan 24, 2008

VAN NUYS, Calif. -- Valley Presbyterian Hospital (VPH), the San Fernando Valley's largest and most prestigious independent, non-profit hospital, is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this month. To commemorate this momentous milestone, Valley Presbyterian will host 50 days of activities throughout the yearlong celebration.

The theme of the celebration is "Doing What Matters," based on the hospital's long standing tradition of compassion and personal patient care, which has become Valley Presbyterian's legacy since its founding in 1958. This commitment to doing what matters is evident in every aspect of the hospital, from patient care and a top tier medical staff to a dedication of investing in the best medical technology.

"This will be a celebration not only marking 50 years, but what the hospital is truly all about," said President and Chief Executive Officer Albert L. Greene. "A lot has changed in 50 years, but one thing has remained the same--the complete and utmost dedication of our staff to do what matters most in the lives of our patients and their families."

Employees old and new will share in the festivities at a kick-off celebration in Valley Presbyterian's historical hallway on February 6. The hallway display, donated by Albert L. Greene and his wife Jo-Linda, features a gallery of framed photographs from the past five decades. During the event, the staff will honor memories of a hospital that has treated hundreds of thousands of San Fernando Valley residents over the past 50 years; a hospital voted "Best Medical Center" two years in a row in a public poll by the Los Angeles Daily News.

Valley Presbyterian has a rich history of firsts. It was the first hospital in the Valley to perform open-heart surgery, the first hospital to open an Intensive Care Neonatal Nursery in the Valley, and the first to perform coronary angioplasty in the San Fernando Valley. Today, Valley Presbyterian Hospital continues to be a forefront leader in medical technology.

"We've only just begun to make history," says Greene. "We have much to look back on with pride, but we have so much more to look forward to as we continue to advance the hospital's technology, facilities and overall patient care."

The anniversary year will be marked by significant achievements with the opening of a new state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization Lab, ground breaking for the construction of a 70,000 square foot four-story Medical Office Building, and commencement of a major renovation and upgrade of the hospital's operating rooms. The hospital also has plans to open a sibling playroom in the Labor and Delivery area. The playroom, designed by legendary artist Anne-Marie Buss, is due to open in February. The train station themed room is a playroom for patients and their siblings, a room designed to feel like the children are taking a trip outside the walls of the hospital and into a great adventure.

A host of other events are planned throughout the year including:

* A birthday party for all babies born at the hospital since 1958. The party will include a special guest appearance by Katherine Hollingsworth, the first baby born at Valley Presbyterian.

* An autograph signing by a local professional sports team

* The kick-off of Kids Wish Network, Holiday of Hope, a yearlong toy drive for patients and their siblings

* The Valley Hip & Knee Institute Open House

* The 50th anniversary gala honoring the Chairman of the Board of Directors, David W. Fleming

* Commemorative CDs for physicians featuring songs from the past five decades

* An elementary school career day titled, "50 Future Physicians and Nurses"

* A tribute tiles art project involving local schools to be unveiled in the Pediatrics wing at a ceremony in October

* The launch of a new hospital website and roll-out of a marketing campaign titled, "It Matters to Me"

About Valley Presbyterian Hospital

Valley Presbyterian Hospital is one of the largest acute care hospitals in the San Fernando Valley. The 350-bed facility offers leading-edge technology and medical expertise in maternal and child health, cardiac care, orthopedics, and critical care services. VPH has more than 500 physicians representing virtually every specialty and most sub-specialties. As a non-profit organization, Valley Presbyterian Hospital depends upon charitable support to provide the highest quality healthcare. To find out how you can help, please contact the Foundation Department at 818-902-2980.

For more information about Valley Presbyterian, visit www.valleypres.org