In commemoration of Coral Gables Hospital’s 90th anniversary, the hospital recently conducted a celebratory event at the Coral Gables Museum.
Guests included physicians, staff, community supporters, fire rescue personnel and city officials. Many of the 60 employees and physicians who have been with the hospital for more than 25 years were in attendance.
The night began with a speech by hospital CEO Patrick Downes who touched on the history and meaning of Coral Gables Hospital.
A well-known staple within the community, the 245-bed hospital has come a long way since opening its doors in 1926 with just 35 beds.
Two months after opening, one of the biggest hurricanes in history occurred. Hundreds of people were injured and treated at the hospital, which only had two RNs at the time.
In his speech, Downes noted that the amazing spirit demonstrated that day continues to live on in the physicians and staff today.
“We make the impossible happen every day, just as they did 90 years ago,” he stated.
Later during the event, the hospital was honored with three proclamations. City of Coral Gables declared July 28 “Coral Gables Hospital Day” in Coral Gables to celebrate the day the hospital opened. The City of Miami declared Aug. 19 as “Coral Gables Hospital Day” in the City of Miami. Lastly, Miami-Dade County declared Aug. 19, 2016 “Coral Gables Hospital 90th Anniversary Day” in the entire county. The proclamations were presented by Gables Mayor Jim Cason, Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado and Miami-Dade Commissioner Rebeca Sosa, respectively. Sosa is chair of the hospital’s board and Regalado is a member.
