Baylor Medical Center at Garland recently celebrated the hospital's 50th anniversary. Named in honor of World War II veterans, the 100-bed Memorial Hospital of Garland opened its doors on March 16, 1964. In January of 1991, the hospital joined Baylor Health Care System, becoming Baylor Medical Center at Garland.
What began as a humble not-for-profit community hospital has now grown into an expansive medical facility offering a full spectrum of health care services, including extensive heart and vascular services, a Breast Center and a newly designed emergency department, to name just a few.
"With each passing decade, we've found new ways to improve our hospital and invest in our community by expanding our services and striving to improve patient care," says Tom Trenary, president of Baylor Garland. "And every step has been guided by the values of Baylor Health Care System—integrity, servanthood, teamwork, excellence, innovation and stewardship."
Community Members Look Back at Hospital's Rich History
To commemorate this milestone, Baylor Garland hosted an event on Thursday, March 27 to acknowledge the countless community members, patients, board members, physicians, staff, and volunteers who have supported the hospital over the past five decades. It was a chance to say "Thank You" and take a look back at the hospital's rich history.
At the event, Hospital President Tom Trenary honored a group of founding and charter members of the hospital and its auxiliary who are still involved with the hospital activities today, many volunteering on a regular basis.
Those special guests included:
- Max Schield, age 94, President of the Garland Chamber in 1958 and founding member and board of director at Memorial Hospital;
- Bill Holland, Founding member and board of director served as vice chair at Memorial Hospital;
- Ernest Wright, mayor of the city of Garland 1958-1962;
- Dorothy Shaw, widow of first administrator John Shaw;
- Jackie Peterson, Founding member of the Auxiliary at Baylor Medical Center at Garland;
- Doyce Beach, Founding member of the Auxiliary at Baylor Medical Center at Garland (non-active);
- Betsy Cooper Weathermon, Charter member of the Auxiliary at Baylor Medical Center at Garland;
- Wilhelmine Mitchell, Charter member of the Auxiliary at Baylor Medical Center at Garland.
Other speakers included Ines Lowe, Chaplain of Pastoral Care at Baylor Garland; Gary Brock, President and Chief Operating Officer, Baylor Scott & White Health – North Texas; Steve Arze, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Medical Affairs.
The program ended with a special address from one of our patients – representing maybe our most important group of supporters. "Our patients are the heartbeat of our hospital," says Trenary. "They often come back as volunteers, donors or visitors. Patients also provide valuable feedback that helps the hospital continue to improve."
Cancer survivor Lynda Dyer spoke about her moving experience being treated at Baylor Garland. Lynda was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. And with help from Baylor, in 2007 Lynda founded New Life New Hope a breast cancer survivors group. The mission of New Life New Hope is to offer support to one another in an open and trusting way so that feelings and information may be shared with compassion and understanding. Lynda also now serves as a hospital volunteer at Baylor Garland's Breast Imaging Center and serves as patient advisor visiting cancer patients and their families at the hospital.
Baylor Garland was also honored for its 50 years of service to the community with special presentations from these local and national leaders:
- Mayor Douglas Athas, City of Garland
- Commissioner Theresa Daniel, PhD, Dallas County Commissioner's Court
- A Representative from the Office of State Representative Stefani Carter
- A Representative from the Office of U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions
Our Commitment is Strong: Looking Towards the Future
Baylor Garland has spent the last five decades earning its place in the community as a provider of quality, compassionate health care—and that commitment remains steadfast today. During the last decade, two of the most exciting accomplishments include Baylor Garland's collaboration with Baylor Community Care Clinic and Hope Clinic.
"By expanding the availability of primary and specialty care for the underserved, we are helping these two clinics better serve and improve the health of our community and enhance the care they can provide to families in our area," Trenary explains. Looking forward, Trenary says the community can count on Baylor Garland's continued dedication and commitment to serving the health needs of our area with compassion and excellence.
"We have a strong history of meeting the needs of our community," Trenary says. "And in the coming years, we plan on adding new services and expanding current ones to further benefit and enhance the health of the communities we serve."
About Baylor Medical Center at Garland
Baylor Medical Center at Garland is a fully accredited medical center serving the residents of Garland, Texas, and the neighboring communities of Wylie, Rowlett, Sachse, and Murphy. Baylor Garland — part of Baylor Scott & White Health — provides advanced medical care in a healing, supportive environment. The hospital is recognized for a range of medical services including heart and vascular care, diagnostic and interventional imaging, women's services, pain management, wound care, sleep medicine, digestive disease, family medicine, and physical medicine and rehabilitation. For more information visit: www.BaylorHealth.com/Garland
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Jennifer McDowell
Jennifer.McDowell@baylorhealth.edu
office: (214) 820-4581
About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. It is committed to making quality care more accessible, convenient and affordable through its integrated delivery network, which includes the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and its leading digital health platform – MyBSWHealth. Through 51 hospitals and more than 1,200 access points, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White today serves more than three million Texans. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com
