Published: May 14, 2008 01:31 pm            

Youth get involved

DUNCAN — The Sanford Children’s Clinic is on its way, and a ceremony Tuesday marked a big step for the health clinic and its location west of Duncan Regional Hospital.

A groundbreaking ceremony featured several speakers, including Becky Nelson, the senior vice president and chief operating officer for Sanford. Nelson said the children’s clinic is an important step in improving health care for youths.

“It’s more than a groundbreaking. It’s breaking ground for health care,” she said.

While the groundbreaking might have been the first public display of progress for the clinic, much work has been done since DRH was chosen for partnership with Sanford Health of South Dakota in November 2007.

Construction on the clinic is expected to take about a year to complete.

And when it’s done, it will resemble a castle, which is intended to create a more child-oriented clinic.

The health-service building, along with others planned, is the result of a $400 million gift from Denny Sanford to Sioux Valley Hospitals and Health System.

Because of this gift, the hospital entity renamed itself after Sanford.

“It will have two physicians with a chance to grow,” Nelson said. “And we expect it to grow.

“Our belief is health care is a community asset and should be provided close to home.”

This Sanford Children’s Clinic is the first of 20 to be built around the country. The second location has not been determined.

Another person who spoke during the groundbreaking ceremony was Dave Link, executive vice president for Sanford.

“We’re very honored and pleased to be here,” Link said.

“We’re taking care of patients, and that’s why we’re here.”

Other speakers included DRH President and CEO Scott Street, DRH Board Chairman Bill Stewart and Lt. Gov. Jari Askins.

Askins said DRH was chosen for the partnership because of the hospital and the surrounding community.

“You have picked wisely,” she said.

“The best rural health care is available here at Duncan Regional Hospital.”

Aside from the speakers, first- and second-grade students from Comanche Elementary sang for the audience. The was about joining hands and working together.

This song summarized the collaboration between the two health-care entities, which Nelson said was one of the best parts of the project.

“It’s the joining of two cultures that are very similar,” she said.

“We’re joining hands and hearts on this new journey.”

        

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