Monday, July 18, 2016 was definitely a day for celebration. A year after hearing the devastating news that Laurel Regional Hospital would close, we stand ready for the challenge of developing the future of the facility, its services and its doctors.
I wish to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all of our local city, county and state elected officials, who worked so well together to represent the needs and desires of this community.
A clear message was sent from our community. We formed a work group within hours of learning of the proposed changes. And while there will be changes to the hospital we know, one thing is certain. The residents of Laurel and this community will have a voice in the process.
There is much to be done. Together with Dr. Stephen Bartlett, Surgeon in-Chief, UMMS, I will co-chair the Strategic Planning Workgroup. This workgroup will evaluate current inpatient services and focus on improving services, adding services and providing high quality health care.
The community's input is critical as we make recommendations regarding the transformation and modernization of Laurel Regional Hospital into a Medical Campus, one that provides what we need, one we can be proud of, one we deserve.
Citizens interested in being a part of the Strategic Planning Work Group, may contact me – by email: laurelmayor@laurel.md.us, by telephone: 301-725-5300, ext 2125, or by mail: Office of the Mayor, 8103 Sandy Spring Road, Laurel, MD 20707.
I look forward to taking the next steps in guiding the development of a premier health care facility in Laurel.
Craig A. Moe
Mayor