Ravenna – The future of Robinson Memorial Hospital includes a new name: University Hospitals Portage Medical Center. The Portage name signifies the heritage of Robinson as a county hospital and its stature as the only hospital located in Portage County.
The new name is consistent with how University Hospitals identifies other community hospitals to reflect both their location and alignment with UH. The Portage name preserves the rich legacy Robinson has built in the community since its founding as Portage County Hospital in 1917 while demonstrating the new relationship with University Hospitals and the collective mission in the greater Portage area dedicated to patient-centered care.
The decision about the name was part of a community engagement process through which people across the Portage County community were given the opportunity to provide opinions and preferences. The research included individual interviews with health care, safety forces and community leaders as well as surveys issued to county residents. The overwhelming majority of these individuals supported a name change.
“Throughout the integration process, the needs of our patients, our community, along with the best interests of our employees and medical staff have been our top priority,” said Stephen Colecchi, President of UH Portage Medical Center. “The name change reflects both our history as the leading provider of health services in Portage County for nearly 100 years and our new relationship with University Hospitals. Additionally it acknowledges our bright future ahead with UH that will further strengthen our hospital’s ability to serve our community for generations to come.”
Since the June 1 announcement welcoming UH Portage Medical Center as a full member of the UH health system, leaders from both systems have been working closely together. Integration and transition teams have been formed to transition employees, processes and technologies to become one. UH has been collaborating with Robinson’s board of directors, physicians, leadership, employees and volunteers to bring investments and cost efficiencies that will benefit the communities served. New signage with the UH logo has been installed at the main campus in Ravenna along with several outpatient centers located throughout Portage County.
“Together we have new and exciting opportunities to serve the residents of Portage County and surrounding communities,” said Richard Hanson, President, UH Community Hospitals and Ambulatory Network. “This new name now reflects both of our heritages as we look forward to growing and enhancing UH Portage Medical Center’s services and programs to continue their long-standing tradition of providing patient-focused, superior-quality health care close to home. Our progress in joining our systems and reaching this decision for a new name brings us closer together in supporting our collective mission: To Heal. To Teach. To Discover.”
