More than 500 people toured the new home of Polk Medical Center as the hospital opened the doors for its Grand Preview event. It was the first opportunity for the community to see the $40 million medical complex, which will officially open on November 6.
“I stand in awe of the entire project and the timeframe in which it was built,” said Harold Wyatt, Chairman of Polk Medical Center, Inc. and the Cedartown-Polk County Hospital Authority. “The $40 million investment in our community is undoubtedly the most important health care development in the history of Polk County.”
For Polk Medical Center’s leadership, today was a day that has been anticipated for quite some time.
“It’s really exciting to finally be here and be able to show the public what a great hospital they’re going to have in this community,” said Matt Gorman, Administrator of Polk Medical Center.
Gorman believes the facility will be a key component of the continued economic growth of the region.
“To have a health care facility like this in a community is very important to industries who are looking to potentially relocate or expand,” Gorman continued. “The economic impact that has already been felt will continue for years and years to come.”
Kurt Stuenkel, President and CEO of Floyd Medical Center, pointed to local industry involvement in the construction of the hospital as an indicator of that economic impact.
“As you walk through the facility today, you’ll see that this complex represents Polk County labor and Polk County contribution,” Stuenkel said. “The furnishings were provided by the HON Corporation, much of the construction was done with Polk County labor and Duffey’s Southeast, a Polk County business, was a partner in the construction.”
The Grand Preview featured a flag raising ceremony, a short program with remarks from several individuals who were instrumental in the hospital’s development, a live performance from Cedartown’s Scarlet Wool and guided tours of the new facility.
“Those who toured the hospital were wowed,” Gorman said. “They were amazed that a facility this nice is located here and ready to serve, not only Cedartown, but also the people of Rockmart, Aragon and all of Polk County.”
Polk Medical Center will transition to the new location on November 6. Soon after, the current Polk Medical Center building will become the home of One Door Polk, a social services hub, which will promote health, wellness and economic development in Cedartown and Polk County. Open Door Polk will provide approximately 75 new jobs.