Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation Announces Grand Opening of Newly Renovated Wilma E. Thornton Cardio Thoracic Vascular Unit - Archived
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information:
David McArthur, Senior Manager, Media Relations
Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation Announces Grand Opening
of Newly Renovated Wilma E. Thornton Cardio Thoracic Vascular Unit
Grand opening celebration at Saint Joseph Hospital on October 19
Lexington, Ky. (October 17, 2017) – The Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation, part of KentuckyOne Health, has completed a major renovation to the Wilma Thornton Cardio Thoracic Vascular Unit at Saint Joseph Hospital, in honor of Mrs. Thornton, a former patient who passed away in 2011 at age 86.
Mrs. Thornton credited Saint Joseph Hospital with allowing her to enjoy “bonus years” by providing outstanding care. Following one surgery, her son wrote a personal note to the hospital president expressing the family was “forever in debt and grateful.”
Two months before Mrs. Thornton passed away, her son Michael Thornton and his wife, Amy, pledged $1.5 million to the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation, the second largest donation in foundation history. The gift created the Wilma E. Thornton CTVU Suite at Saint Joseph Hospital. Improvements to the CTVU Suite include major facelifts for 22 patient rooms to provide a more peaceful environment, and upgrades throughout the nurses’ work stations and common areas. The CTVU Suite is designed to help patients with heart, lung and vascular illnesses.
“Thanks to Mrs. Thornton’s surgeon at Saint Joseph Hospital and the wonderful care she received, she was able to spend an additional three years with her two sons and grandchildren, enjoying UK basketball games, trips to Keeneland and much more” said Leslie Buddeke Smart, president, Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation. “Mrs. Thornton was a vibrant woman who was forever grateful to the hospital. We too are grateful for Mrs. Thornton, and the legacy she leaves behind.”
On Thursday, October 19, a grand opening celebration will be held for the newly renovated Wilma E. Thornton CTVU Suite at Saint Joseph Hospital, starting at 2:30 p.m. in the lobby of the hospital, located at 1 St. Joseph Drive. Family members of Wilma Thornton will be available to speak to media about the donation, and the renovation of the CTVU Suite. Tours of the CTVU Suite will be provided following the dedication.
About Saint Joseph Hospital
Saint Joseph Hospital, part of KentuckyOne Health, is a nationally recognized tertiary medical center located in Lexington, KY. The 433-bed hospital primary serves central and eastern Kentucky with a full range of services including distinguished awards for cardiology, orthopedics and stroke care. Saint Joseph Hospital is Lexington’s first hospital. Founded in 1877, by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in Kentucky, the hospital’s original mission was to provide compassionate care to the poor and underserved – a tradition still carried out today.
About KentuckyOne Health
KentuckyOne Health, one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth, includes hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes and home health agencies in Kentucky and southern Indiana. KentuckyOne Health is dedicated to bringing wellness, healing and hope to all, including the underserved.
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Publish date:
Tuesday, October 17, 2017