Photo: Wickedlocal
In the last century, Norwood Hospital underwent a remarkable transformation, evolving from a modest one-room medical facility to a sprawling campus equipped with cutting-edge technology and regional services not commonly found in nearby establishments. Salvatore Perla, the president of Norwood Hospital, shared insights into the year-long celebration of the hospital's centennial and offered a glimpse into future developments for the town.
Despite the official centennial year being 2019, Perla revealed that planning for the festivities commenced in July 2018. A committee, comprising community board members, volunteers, and hospital staff, was established to coordinate the celebration. Meeting every three weeks throughout 2018, the committee diligently crafted a calendar of events for the centennial, emphasizing the importance of preserving and disseminating the hospital's history.
Various events were organized throughout the year, showcasing the hospital's commitment to the community. From Valentine's Day centennial treats for hospital staff in February to a book donation drive for Norwood public schools in March, and an art contest during the dedicated Hospital Week in May, the celebrations spanned a wide range. Notably, a continuing project with Norwood High School art students to create a mural for the maternity ward stood out as one of the most engaging events. Perla highlighted that the number 100 was consistently incorporated into these events to emphasize the centennial milestone.
"We try to do as much as possible with the community because we are a community hospital," Perla said. "100 years of service is an amazing journey for everyone. As you look at the artwork created by the students, it really shows how this hospital started from a one-room house to what it is today."
Perla pointed out the unique features of Norwood Hospital in comparison to other community hospitals in the area. Notably, the hospital houses a pediatric unit and pediatric emergency room, distinguishing it from its counterparts. Over the past 15 years, the hospital has invested in specialized services, including two Cardiac Catheterization laboratories, a neurosurgery program, orthopedics, robotic-assisted surgery, and a weight loss surgery unit. These advancements were made possible through sustained investments in the hospital's campus.
Looking ahead, Perla outlined the hospital's focus on infrastructure updates, such as expanding the emergency department and further investing in the robotics program. He expressed the hospital's commitment to initiating these projects to enhance services for the community they serve. As a final tribute to the centennial celebration, a memorial wall featuring images from the hospital's 100-year history will be installed, and a centennial banner will be displayed across Washington Street in November. Melanie Franco, the communications and marketing director at Norwood Hospital, described the banner as a simple yet heartfelt gesture to express gratitude to the community.
(Article by George Curtis, Norwood Historical Society)
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