Renovated Surigical Services Center Now Open

WAYNESBURG – Southwest Regional Medical Center hosted an open house on October 6 to highlight the newly remodeled Surgical Services Unit. The event was held from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the fifth floor of Southwest Regional. About 200 people attended the event, including a few of the hospital’s surgeons and the Greene County Commissioners. Attendees were welcome to a free massage, lunch, a tour of the unit and the opportunity to speak with some of the doctors and nurses.

A special dedication ceremony was held at noon in the physical therapy room.
“This is a unit that will truly meet the needs of the community,” said Southwest Regional Medical Center CEO Cindy Cowie. “We’re very thankful to say we have the physicians and the facilities to provide exceptional care to our patients.”

Surgical Services Director Mary Luncinski emphasized that the hospital can perform routine and major surgeries, much like any other hospital in the region.
“It was a great team effort to open this unit,” said Luncinski. “Our surgeons and staff are committed to making surgeries more convenient and recovery comfortable for our patients.”

Guests during the event were also awarded the opportunity to see some of the surgical equipment used at Southwest Regional, including laparoscopic instruments. Laparoscopic surgery is less invasive and the recovery time is much faster than traditional means of surgery.

“Thank you to everyone who put this together. This is fantastic,” said general surgeon Dr. Ferdinand Martinez. “Yes, this is a smaller hospital, but we still offer the same services. We are proceeding with more complex operations with great outcomes. I’m glad to be a part of this hospital.”

Gynecologist and Obstetrician Dr. Alexander Mecs joined the SRMC staff in June, and spoke briefly during the ceremony.

“This facility is state-of-the-art, and happy surgeons make happy patients,” said Mecs. “We have a lot to look forward to.”

The fifteen-bed unit will provide patients with state-of-the-art, luxurious amenities to make their stay more comfortable. Some of these amenities include private rooms, flat screen TVs, cherry wood furniture, showers and on-site physical therapy.

Sharon Willison, representing Senator Barry Stout, shared her personal feelings about the hospital and the changes it has undergone.

“I am thankful for Essent’s commitment and investment in this hospital,” said Willison. “If and when my family is in need, it is a comfort to know we can come here and get the care we need.”

“We are so thrilled to be a partner with this facility,” added Greene County Commissioner Pam Snyder. “Essent provided the financial stability, but it is you – the doctors, nurses and staff – that make this hospital special. Thank you.”

Cowie offered closing remarks to everyone in attendance: “You’re going to see even more changes and services in the future,” she said. “We are thankful to have people working here who are dedicated to providing quality care to our community.”