WCHC opens new clinic

WASHINGTON — Hospital staff and Chamber ambassadors cut a ribbon on Wednesday to mark the opening of the Ken and Rosemary Hanson Specialty Clinic. The newly renovated wing will provide endocrinology, general surgery, neurology, pulmonology, and rheumatology services.

WCHC CEO Todd Patterson said the titular community members were strong supporters of the institution, with stints on the board of directors, foundation, and behind-the-scenes work like recruitment and mentoring.

“He did a lot of things that people wouldn’t know unless I told them,” Patterson said. “And I think those are the special things I will always remember about Kenny and his work and support … Kenny meant a lot to this hospital, a lot to this community, and I think if anybody’s name was going to be up on a facility like this, it would be his and his wife, Rosemary.”

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Patterson said the wing used to contain administrative offices, before the renovations. The improvement process took 4-5 months as crews built new walls, brought in new equipment and waited on materials.

The hospital started seeing patients in the clinic Aug. 7.

Eric Hanson, Ken and Rosemary’s son, said the facility name was a tremendous honor. He said he “owed everything in (his) existence to this building,” the location where he was born.

“Growing up in Washington, you see names on buildings and auditoriums, and you never think it’s going to be yours,” he said. “When you see that name, you know that person loved that community, and wants that love to live on through all of us.”

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Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com