(Seguin) — Guadalupe Regional Medical Center (GRMC) this week officially opened up its new medical building to the community.
GRMC’s Laurel Medical Office Building is built off U.S. Highway 90A next door to the hospital’s Willow building near Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held recently in preparation for this week’s opening.
During the event, Elaine Bennett, CEO of the Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation, said the building isn’t just new office space.
She said it’s another example of how GRMC continues to take care of this community.
“Today is an exciting day because we are now standing inside this beautiful building. The Laurel Medical Office Building is more than just an office building. It represents expanded access to care, future growth, and continued investment in the health of our community. Today, as we cut this ribbon, this building represents the collaborative work of state, county, and city leaders aligning together to build something greater than ourselves. We are laying the foundation for a better future, and one that will benefit our children, our families, and the surrounding communities that we proudly serve,” said Bennett.
GRMC CEO Robert Haynes recognizes GRMF CEO Elaine Bennett.
GRMC CEO Robert Haynes sang the praises of Bennett, who is credited with not only suggesting that they pursue this project, but she also was willing to go to the legislature in Austin to help secure the $10 million that would be needed to fund the project.
“I want to recognize this little lady right here. She’s a powerhouse here. When speaking with Elaine, when she asks me something and I say yes, she hears yes. When I say maybe, she hears yes. And when I say no, she hears yes. And when I say it will probably never happen, she says yes. I’ve driven by this building many times as it’s been in construction. And I’ll text her every now and then. I’ll text her a message…that’s the story of this hospital. This is how it’s different. This is the last standing city-county hospital in the state of Texas, joined by two political entities. Here you believe you can make a difference. We recruit physicians. We recruit employees. You can make a difference in this organization. (Elaine), you made a difference,” said Haynes.
The funding from the state was critical to the project, and Bennett says that State Senator Judith Zaffirini and former State Representative John Kuempel worked together to make this happen. Zaffirini, who is the Dean of the Texas Senate, spoke during the ribbon cutting ceremony. She said this project shows how things can get done when everyone works together.
“There is so much we can do together and very little that we can do alone. And when it comes to health care, it is of utmost importance that we collaborate. And today we celebrate that collaboration among the city, the county, and the state. It is collaboration at its finest. But this was initiated by Elaine when she came to the state capital. And I remember — I have this gift of being able to have one facial expression and be thinking another — and I was listening to her and she will testify that I was smiling and nodding. (But) I was thinking, lady, are you crazy? Do you know what you’re asking? And somehow, we did it. And why did we do it? Number one, because we listened. Number 2, because you had a compelling message. And number 3, because of bipartisanship,” said Zaffirini.
State Senator Judith Zaffirini presents a special gift to GRMC CEO Robert Haynes.
Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen says GRMC is the last city-county owned hospital in the state. She says it’s part of what makes this community and its medical facility special. Dodgen says the Laurel building will not only help to serve this fast growing community, but it will be a big part of meeting the healthcare needs of people throughout this region.
“Strong cities are built on strong partnerships. The county partnership with us on Guadalupe Regional Medical Center has been long one of Seguin’s most valued partners in promoting wellness, community centeredness, providing care, and improving the quality of life for our residents, providing for our residents, whether it be jobs, whether it be education, information. It’s an integral part of our community and our region. The Laurel (Building) stands as a symbol of growth and progress in Seguin. It reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that families have access to exceptional health care close to home. And it reinforces why people and businesses continue to choose Seguin as a place to live, work, and thrive. Seven people a day, do not freak, seven people a day are moving to Seguin, Texas,” said Dodgen.
GRMC officials also thanked The Koehler Company, which served as the construction manager for this project. The new 27,000-square-foot facility will double the current capacity for Guadalupe Regional Medical Group primary care providers, while also offering convenient outpatient laboratory and imaging services for the community.