Over 500 Celebrate With Parma Hospital At Golden Gala

More than 500 people attended Parma Community General Hospital's gala event to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Pictured from left are Parma Hospital President & CEO Terrence G. Deis and his wife, Rosa; Board of Directors Chairman Kent A. Geist and his wife, Barb; and State Rep. Timothy J. DeGeeter.
View Image Gallery

Parma Community General Hospital celebrated 50 years of commitment to the community with a golden gala on June 18 attended by 525 hospital and community leaders and friends, including six members of the original medical staff. Kent Geist, chairman of Parma Hospital’s Board of Directors, was the master of ceremonies at the Embassy Suites in Independence for the spectacular black-tie gala, complete with a display of hospital memorabilia and an 18-piece orchestra. The revelers gathered to recognize the growth of what began as a 200-bed, six-story hospital in August 1961 and is now the only independent community hospital operating in greater Cleveland without taxpayer support.

Geist spoke of the fundamental decisions made by a group of local leaders who first met on the Ides of March in 1956 to discuss formation of a campaign to raise support for a community hospital. During the evening, he recognized founding father Paul Cassidy, former Parma Heights mayor, as well as longtime administrator John Nelson. Three trustees emeriti also were honored: Michael J. McGinty, Charles F. Harle and the late Joseph W. Coleman. In accepting the award, McGinty noted that Parma Hospital has made a concerted effort to remain an independent, community-oriented provider of high-quality, cost-effective health care.

The evening also featured the unveiling of an original piece of artwork by Cleveland-area artist Hector Vega, who celebrates the unity of communities through bold colors and sharp geometric patterns. The painting, which contains landmarks from all six of the founding communities, will permanently be on display in the hospital lobby. Ronald Flauto, DO, the medical staff president-elect who is beginning his tenth year of practice at Parma Hospital, said he is proud to belong to a hospital with independent practitioners who choose to serve the community in such a friendly, patient-focused hospital. He reflected the pride of the medical staff, just as CEO Terrence G. Deis – finishing his first year as chief administrator – humbly did.

“I wouldn't be standing here representing the only independent hospital in Cuyahoga County if it weren't for the Hospital administrators, presidents and Board members who led and governed the hospital successfully for its first 49 years,” said President & CEO Terrence G. Deis. “Collectively, we understand the responsibility we have undertaken, caring for the health of our community. Deis went on to note that the hospital’s slogan – “treating you better begins with knowing you better” – was not created by an advertising agency but rather discovered by one, through their interactions with Board members, physicians, patients and employees.   

“We really do work harder than other hospitals to know our patients better,” Deis said. “Often, we treat our patients better because we already know them better.  Our patients are often Joe from the EMS squad’s dad, or the mother of Sally, one of our nurses or, I’m guessing, even some of you. “I don’t have to tell you that healthcare delivery is at the forefront of national debate. National healthcare reform will put more pressure on community hospitals over the next several years. But we believe there will still be a place for well-run community hospitals such as ours who partner judiciously to bring tertiary specialty care to our local community. And as we celebrate our first 50 years, I’m confident our Hospital will be here and successful for another 50.”