West Virginia Executive Summer 2016 | Page 30

An Enduring Legacy For almost 70 years, Thomas Memorial Hospital has been providing comprehensive care in the Kanawha Valley. Named for World War II hero Sergeant Herbert J. Thomas Jr. in 1946, the hospital has developed from a single entity to an innovative system that includes 403 beds, nearly 2,000 employees and 450 physicians. The example of putting others first that Thomas set when he sacrificed his life for his fellow soldiers during WWII is the premise for the hospital’s philosophy for patient care and has inspired continued growth of the facility in order to fulfill the hospital’s mission. As part of that growth, Thomas Health System has plans in the works to add a 71,000-square-foot post-acute care facility to its campus. Born out of a partnership with Stonerise Healthcare, the $17 million project will be the first of its kind in the Mountain State and region. This new facility will provide a continuum of care through acute, post-acute and home health care for patients. The first floor will house pulmonary rehab, cardiac telemetry rehab and joint replacement rehab, and the second floor will focus on wound care, cancer and palliative care and long-term care. “So many times, a patient needs additional care or a step-down unit,” says Paige Johnson, marketing director for Thomas Health System. “This new transitional care facility will provide that with a continuity of care with their doctors without duplicative tests that would normally occur when a patient is transferred to another facility.” The acute-care facility will also positively impact the local economy and aid in revitalizing South Charleston’s west end by creating up to 100 new jobs. Construction on the facility is projected to begin in 2016. 28 west virginia executive Brian Ulery, the hospital’s new chief operating officer and a retired Hospital Corpsman Third Class in the U.S. Navy Reserve, was briefed on the hospital’s history during his employee orientation last year. When WWII veteran Corporal Hershal Woodrow “Woody” Williams offered to donate his Medal of Honor flag to be put on permanent display at the hospital, it planted a seed in Ulery’s mind. “I believed we had an obligation to thoroughly honor Thomas, West Virginia’s first Medal of Honor recipient, in a way that left little doubt of the heroism that so inspired the community of South Charleston,” says Ulery. “My time in the military instilled in me a great deal of respect for those who serve this nation, and I am committed to respecting those who have given and honoring those who have given all.” The display, located in the hallway that connects the old part of the hospital with the new pavilion, includes a variety of unique memorabilia, including Thomas’ original Medal of Honor, Purple Heart and Freedom Award; the original letter of citation from President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Williams’ Medal of Honor flag. The hall also serves as a historical account of Thomas’ life. The collection of pictures on display showcases his early school days as a football star at South Charleston High School, Greenbrier Military Academy and Virginia Tech University, as well as the legacy of his tour in the Marines and how he selflessly gave his life for his comrades. ABOVE: A veteran salutes Corporal Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams’ legacy. BELOW: Corporal Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams. As a Marine, WWII veteran and native West Virginian, Williams believes the Hall of Honor is important because few West Virginians know of Thomas’ valor and sacrifice for their freedom. “West Virginians take great pride in the United States military, and most families here have at least one connection to someone that is serving or who has served,” says Ulery. “By reminding our community of the brave men and women who have come before us, I truly hope it inspires us all to be better in everything we do.” 