Seton Breaks Ground on Largest Hospital in Williamson County
‘Ground Blessing’ Highlights Event
Austin, TX (September 22, 2006) – During a special “ground blessing” ceremony symbolizing the start of construction, leaders of the Seton Family of Hospitals, and area religious, business and government leaders broke ground on the new Seton Medical Center Williamson – soon to be the largest hospital in the county.
“This project is much more than bricks and mortar,” said Charles Barnett, president and CEO of the Seton Family of Hospitals, the region’s only faith-based hospitals. “This is a commitment by Seton to greatly expand our community ministry in this rapidly growing area. While Seton has served the residents in
During the ceremony, mayors and civic leaders from across the area presented a stone from their respective communities. These stones will be incorporated into the new medical center and symbolize community collaboration and support in building an enduring healthcare resource. Building upon this message, Barnett and Sister Joanne Vasa, Daughter of Charity, read scriptures passages (Joshua 24:25-27 and 1 Peter 2:5) which described stones as symbols of sturdy, faithful relationships. Bishop Gregory Aymond blessed the site and dedicated it to the ministry of healing.
“Seton Medical Center Williamson is the type of hospital you want in your community, obviously for its exemplary health care, but also because Seton makes a great partner for Round Rock and
“I have long supported plans by the Seton Family of Hospitals to expand into
The Seton Family of Hospitals has contracted with Universal Health Services Inc. to design and develop Seton Medical Center Williamson. The 360,000 square-foot facility, scheduled to open in early 2008, will be constructed at the corner of FM1460 and
“The facility will be state of the art in design, technology and delivery of complex care,” said Mark Hazelwood, president and CEO, Seton Medical Center Williamson. “Patients, physicians and staff will find a peaceful, nature-inspired environment that promotes healing.”
The design will combine a healing garden, waterscape, outdoor courtyard and nature-inspired interior, with the latest technology, including electronic medical records, automated delivery of critical test results, room service and wireless access. A beautiful chapel and serene “reflection room” invite people of all faiths to pause and retreat in a peaceful environment.
“Seton Medical Center Williamson will be a preeminent resource for health care by attracting the most qualified and committed medical professionals to the facility,” said Gary Piefer, MD, vice president of Medical Affairs, Seton Medical Center Williamson.
Planned services at Seton Medical Center Williamson include:
- Full-Service Emergency Department
- Critical Care
- Inpatient Medical Services, including oncology, digestive, neuroscience and pulmonology
- Surgical Care, including orthopedics, plastics, urology, ophthalmology, gynecology, cystoscopy, ENT, endoscopy, neurosurgery and general surgery
- Cardiac Care, including open heart surgery and electrophysiology services
- Diagnostic and Interventional Services
- Women’s Services, including labor and delivery, obstetrics/gynecology, and nursery
- Outpatient Therapies
“We are committed to bringing the same clinical excellence offered throughout the Seton Family of Hospitals to
The medical center will also be a hub for new major growth and economic development in the region. In the initial years of operation, the medical center will generate more than 1,400 new jobs and provide an estimated total positive economic impact of more than $190 million.