Chesapeake Regional Medical Center

Chesapeake Regional Medical Center (CRMC) provides a comprehensive system of inpatient and outpatient medical, surgical and specialty care services to patients at every stage of life.

Chesapeake Regional is accredited by the Joint Commission with an advanced certification as a primary stroke center.^[1] It has an extremely active emergency department, with more than 65,000 visits annually.^[2]

History

During the 1960s, citizens and physicians in Chesapeake, Virginia decided they needed a hospital in the city so they would not have to drive all the way to Norfolk for care. Dr. Stanley Jennings, now a retired Chesapeake physician, began a grassroots effort to establish Chesapeake General Hospital in the fledgling city.^[3] In 1966, the Virginia General Assembly created the Chesapeake Hospital Authority which is responsible for the operation of Chesapeake General Hospital. Although the Authority members are appointed by the Chesapeake City Council, it is an autonomous organization with its own enabling legislation - the first of its type in the state.^[4]

In the early 1970s, after gaining the cooperation of city officials, community members began door-to-door solicitations and organized benefit sporting events, cake sales, dinners and other fundraisers to raise $1.2 million for the hospital's construction.^[5] The city's newly established Chesapeake Housing Authority secured additional funding through a $1 million Hill-Burton federal grant.^[6]

In 1973, construction began on the hospital. Newly appointed CEO Donald S. Buckley began operating out of a trailer at the construction site on Battlefield Boulevard in the city.^[7] He served as president/CEO until his retirement in 2005.^[8]

Chesapeake General Hospital first opened its doors and began treating patients on Jan. 26, 1976.^[9]

Chesapeake General Hospital has become the anchor for Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, an integral part of the Chesapeake and surrounding Hampton Roads communities, and the only independent medical center serving all ages in Hampton Roads, Virginia.

By 2010, Chesapeake Regional Medical Center has grown to include its 310-bed anchor hospital, the Sidney M. Oman Cancer Center, the Breast Center, the Diagnostic Center of Chesapeake, The BirthPlace, the Surgery Center of Chesapeake, The Lifestyle Center for fitness and health, two sleep centers, an assisted living facility, home health and hospice program and a physicians' practice group.^[10] Chesapeake Regional is also a partner in the 19-bed Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head, North Carolina, with University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina.

Chesapeake Regional Medical Center employs approximately 2,400 employees and has a medical staff of 600. It is governed by the Chesapeake Hospital Authority, made up of 11 members appointed by the Chesapeake City Council and who are charged with ensuring that community needs are addressed at the hospital. CRMC does not receive any funding from city coffers.

References

1. ^ The Joint Commission website "Find Certified Organizations" link. Data downloaded 12-22-2010
2. ^ The Virginian Pilot - Norfolk, Va.(4-16-2010) "Turf fight over proposed Chesapeake ER heats up" by Mike Saewitz
3. ^ Raymond L. Harper, Chesapeake Virginia (Acadia Publishing, Charleston SC, 2008) 122
4. ^ Virginia Division of Legislative Services website "Chesapeake Hospital Authority 1966 Acts of Assembly, c. 271." PDF downloaded 1-6-2011
5. ^ The Ledger Star - Norfolk, Va. (10-27-1972) "Chesapeake drive for hospital opens"
6. ^ The Virginian Pilot - Norfolk, Va. (5-20-1973) "Hands to knock for hospital"
7. ^ The Virginian Pilot - Norfolk, Va. "Office and fund drive open for hospital"
8. ^ The Virginian Pilot - The Clipper (supplement) - Norfolk, Va. (1-14-2005) "The Buckley Stops Here" by Tony Stein
9. ^ The Virginian Pilot Norfolk, Va. (1-25-1976) "4,000 On Hand for Hospital Dedication" by Bob Geske
10. ^ The Virginian Pilot - The Clipper (supplement) - Norfolk, Va. (1-14-2005) "The Buckley Stops Here" by Tony Stein

External links

• [1] Joint Commission
• [2] Chesapeake Regional Medical Center