Commonwealth Health Corp.’s longtime dream of providing a place to stay for families who have critically ill patients at The Medical Center is more than a dream for families – it is a remarkable gift.
The Hospitality House provides “a home away from home,” according to Connie Smith, The Medical Center chief executive officer and CHC chief operating officer.
At High Street and Fifth Avenue, the 13,564-square-foot Hospitality House will open in January. It will have 12 private guest rooms and baths, a large kitchen and dining room for multiple families, a prayer room, a community room, laundry facilities and a business room with Internet access. Each room is for up to three people, with one room available per family for each patient.
And it’s free. However, donations are accepted and are encouraged from those who can afford to help with costs.
Families who are in difficult situations with critically ill family members face numerous emotional and financial struggles. Times like these call for caring, and this move by Commonwealth Health Corp. and The Medical Center demonstrates caring and provides a wonderful arrangement for those families.
The Hospitality House will need donations, volunteers and community support to maintain the facility. It is our hope that our community will see the major benefits of The Hospitality House and lend a hand and provide donations to keep this gift open for those in need.
The facility will be staffed 24-7 with two full-time and three part-time employees. Guests will be referred to the facility. No reservations will be taken by phone.
This is another reflection of the great community spirit Bowling Green and Warren County possess, and we commend Commonwealth Health and The Medical Center for their foresight and commitment to families who face travel costs to visit critically ill family members or face nights of sleep in hospital rooms with their loved ones.
This facility gives them a chance to get much-needed rest and saves them money in a time of difficulty, times that can lead to loss of life.
