A ribbon cutting ceremony unveiled a new interactive timeline, a touch screen with video vignettes and audio, that takes visitors through the evolution of 100 years of care in the community. The digital timeline includes key milestones for the hospital such as expansions, technological advances, partnerships, and key moments in medical history.
“Of course, so much has happened between our humble beginnings in 1916 and today: advancements in technology, our enhanced clinical capabilities, the growth and modernization of our campus, and most importantly, the positive impact we continue to have on the people who live in our community,” said Joel Seligman, President and CEO of Northern Westchester Hospital. “Thank you for being part of that rich history and continued evolution."
Also speaking that evening was Nancy Karch, Chair of Northern Westchester Hospital’s Board of Trustees, “I know first-hand that Northern Westchester Hospital is this area’s most important community asset, as well as its biggest employer. And, I see every day the value we bring to the community and the difference we make in peoples’ lives.”
In addition to representatives from the executive and legislative branches of Westchester County government, Mount Kisco Mayor Michael Cindrich welcomed guests from the community. Other guests with strong connections to the hospital included Joan Stewart, one of the first preemie babies born at the hospital in 1935; Joan’s sister, Pat Reilly, former Mayor of Mount Kisco, born at the hospital in 1932; Henry Schriever, the hospital’s first pastoral care chaplain; Sue Moga, whose grandfather, E. Roberts Richie, was a founding physician of the original Mount Kisco Hospital on Stewart Place; Babs Johnson, whose father, Philips Lounsbery, was a Hospital trustee for many years; retired physician Hal Federman who began the hospital’s Palliative Care program; Dr. Herb Kaufman, who performed the first flexible endoscopy at the hospital; and Medical Group Partners Dr. Scott Hayworth, President and CEO of Mount Kisco Medical Group, and Dr. Peter Mercurio, President and CEO of Westchester Health.
Also on hand were Northwell Health colleagues including Dr. Lawrence Smith, Physician in Chief and Dean of the Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine and Anthony Ferreri, Executive Vice President, Chief Affiliation Officer, Regional Executive Director for Westchester.
New artwork from the Katonah Museum Artists’ Association and the Westchester Photographic Society was also unveiled. Both organizations have been filling the halls of NWH and the Cancer Treatment & Wellness Center with beautiful artwork for many years.
For the centennial year, each organization was asked to provide artwork honoring the Centennial celebration that will remain on display throughout the year. The theme of the artwork is 'Celebrations' and the artists provided a collection that is colorful, bright, and festive.
Both the executive and legislative branches of Westchester County government declared Jan. 21, 2016 as Northern Westchester Hospital Day in Westchester.