Community members and hospital associates gathered Friday to celebrate the completion of Wamego Health Center’s year long construction project. Attendees also joined the Wamego Area Chamber of Commerce also held a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

During the past year, every department in the facility was impacted by the $11 million project, according to Steve Land, Wamego Health Center administrator. The project included some aesthetic upgrades, but also included new equipment, relocation of services, security measures and improvements to aid in patient flow.

Via Christi’s partnership with the City of Wamego and Wamego Health Center is a testament to how partnerships can be successful, said Mike Mullins, Via Christi Health CEO and Ascension’s Kansas and Oklahoma Ministry Market leader.

“The role that the Wamego community has on Via Christi is huge,” he said. “The work that you all have done has been impressive. When you walk through this facility, it’s an amazing place. I’m very proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish. When you look at that partnership that Via Christi has with Ascension — and that comes back to Wamego — we’re proving that we can be part of a national ministry but we can still get things done on a local level.”

“To the people who work here — Wamego Health Center has been a leader on doing things the right way for a long time,” Mullins continued. “They lead our company in patient satisfaction and we’re very proud of that fact. Just because it’s small doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a big impact.”

Land thanked Mullins for his support during the project.

“We’re extremely appreciative for his leadership for all of Via Christi, but we’re especially appreciative for the attention he gives Wamego,” he said. “I could not have anticipated a better outcome than what we have today.”

The overhaul was long overdue, Land said, adding that the last upgrade took place in the 1970s. The project would not have been successful without the support and patience of the local community, and the dedication of the various board members involved and Wamego Health Center’s associates.

“There have been so many donors that made this project possible,” he said. “The blue wall in the entry way will be our donor wall where we can thank all of our generous donors.”

Steve Land, Wamego Health Center administrator, thanks the community, associates and Via Christi and Ascension leaders for their support during the construction project.

Mike Mullins, Via Christi Health CEO and Ascension’s Kansas and Oklahoma Ministry Market leader, addresses ceremony attendees.

Fr. Mike Peterson, St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, says a prayer and offers a blessing during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.