Mercy Health - St. Rita's Medical Center has had a busy year.
COVID has been keeping Mercy Health - St. Rita's Medical Center busy for nearly two years. "Last fall, at our peak, we hit 99 patients," says President Ronda Lehman. "That was about half of the census of the hospital at that time." During this second wave, the hospital peaked at 70 earlier this month, and was at 52 when Ronda spoke to us. Not only is the influx of COVID patients keeping them busy, but they are having staffing issues like everyone else is and are currently down 95 nurses. She says the patients are all ages and, "The majority of patients on ventilators and critical are unvaccinated."
On a happier note, St. Rita's Graduate Medical Education Center is open and doing well. "Last year we had 24 spots open, we had 2,300 applicants. There are not enough spots in the country. Having a place for people to train is a phenomenal opportunity." Ronda says of the six physicians graduating in June, three of them have decided to stay in our community and have taken jobs with local hospitals. St. Rita's has also converted the office building at the corner of Market and West Street into a Community Impact Center which now houses related agencies like Help Me Grow and Activate Allen County. They are also demolishing and rebuilding westside urgent care and the 718 building and renovating eastside urgent care.
On a happier note, St. Rita's Graduate Medical Education Center is open and doing well. "Last year we had 24 spots open, we had 2,300 applicants. There are not enough spots in the country. Having a place for people to train is a phenomenal opportunity." Ronda says of the six physicians graduating in June, three of them have decided to stay in our community and have taken jobs with local hospitals. St. Rita's has also converted the office building at the corner of Market and West Street into a Community Impact Center which now houses related agencies like Help Me Grow and Activate Allen County. They are also demolishing and rebuilding westside urgent care and the 718 building and renovating eastside urgent care.
Monday was the last meeting for Roy and Esther Baldridge who are moving to Michigan. Roy joined the Lima Rotary Club in 1995 and Esther joined in 1996. Roy and Esther have been very active in the Lima Rotary Club with Roy chairing the Riverwalk and Chaplain Committees and playing Santa at the Special Needs Christmas Party. Esther was club president in 2014/2015 during which the club celebrated its 100th anniversary and donated $100,000 to help build the Abilities Field at UNOH. She was also Assistant District 6600 Governor, chaired the Special Needs Christmas Party and the 4-Way Essay Contest. Roy and Esther were also very generous with their giving and at Monday's meeting, both presented with their Paul Harris +7 pins. "We all thank you for your friendship and your leadership, all your help and all your years of service," said President Jeff. "It has been our privilege to know you and work with both of you. You are surely leaving a lasting legacy. We surely hope you will come back and visit," We will miss you!
Also at Monday's meeting, Dick Schroder presented the Paul Harris +1 pin to Jim Chiles and Chad Hughes exchanged his red badge for a blue badge. Congratulations!
