COUDERSPORT — Gov. Tom Wolf visited Cole Memorial Hospital Thursday as the facility marks its 50th anniversary.
The mid-afternoon stop was part of his four-day, 14-county visit in northern Pennsylvania that saw other events in Sayre, Bradford County; Mansfield, Tioga County; and Emporium, Cameron County.
The governor opened his remarks, saying, “There is not a more beautiful part of Pennsylvania than Route 6 along the northern tier.”
In a release from the governor’s office, Wolf said, “It is important that every part of Pennsylvania, big and small, rural and urban, understand that we’re listening to them and working to improve their communities.
“As I travel through Pennsylvania, it is clear that no matter the area, there’s a lot of important work being done to make communities stronger,” Wolf said. “Our job at the state is to support those efforts and what I’ve seen throughout this trip is that we’re already making a lot of progress in areas like community development, education and workforce training.”
Upon his arrival, Wolf met the hospital administrators, some board members and local government leaders. The schedule then continued outdoors under sunny skies, at the site of the hospital’s grand opening ceremony on Oct. 1, 1967, when then-Gov. Ray Shafer spoke at the dedication.
Wolf read a proclamation, recognizing the hospital’s half-century of providing medical care to area counties. “This organization’s healthcare professionals display an extraordinary care for others, which illustrates how honorably you accept the responsibility of civic duty and the strength of your integrity,” Wolf said. “By offering comprehensive community-based healthcare, this hospital continues to provide life changing care to as many patients and families as possible, regardless of race, disability, or financial status.
“This hospital invaluably educates healthcare professionals and conducts research to discover new information and potential treatment for citizens,” Wolf added.
Wolf said he is confident Cole Memorial Hospital will continue to provide the highest quality care to children while maintaining a family-centered, collaborative care environment. “This hospital has built a sense of safety within the community, and it will serve as an inspiration for years to come.”
The governor then presented his proclamation to Ed Pitchford, hospital administrator.
Wolf and First Lady Frances Wolf toured various departments of the hospital and met some patients. A highlight of the tour was the governor meeting a patient, 100-year-old Elizabeth Ahn of Ulysses, whose maiden name was Wolf. The governor also spoke briefly with Elizabeth’s husband, Wilbur.
Also, during the tour, nursing staff members demonstrated how a computer-controlled life-sized mannequin is used for training personnel in critical medical procedures.
Wolf’s visit today will include McKean County.
Cole Memorial Hospital is named for Charles Cole, born in 1876, who was raised in the Coudersport area.
He became acquainted with Thomas Watson, who founded his own company, which later became a giant in the business world, International Business Machines, or IBM. With Watson’s urging, Colle joined the earlier company as a sales representative.
Becoming an very successful salesman, Cole invested part of his salary in company stock.
In his will, Cole directed that his estate finance the establishment of the hospital that bears his name. The hospital’s fiscal year 2017 Annual Summary shows the following data:
Members of the active medical staff: 29
Members of the affiliated medical staff: 35
Members of advanced clinicians: 44
Employees: 824; full-time: 610
Volunteer hours: 8,613
Births: 200
Surgeries: 5,600
Health Centers’ visits: 65,300
Acute inpatients’ days in 2017: 6,300, and skilled nursing and rehabilitation days: 13,450.
