Reid Hospital in Richmond Indiana

Jan 21, 2014

  Today our Richmond Indiana newspaper, the Pal-Item ran a video showing the current status of the old hospital building in our community, information that is greatly needed in our community.  Yet, I’m feeling very blessed to have been hired by Reid to photograph for so many wonderful events representing the hospitals commitment to our community, and not the status of a building abandoned by the company that purchased the building. 

    My favorite event was photographing the Reid move to the new facility in Sept. 2004.  I was one of two photographers hired to photography three days of events leading up to the move.  Instead of three days, I asked if I could photography for two weeks while getting paid for three days.  Because of that decision, I believe I’m the only photographer that has a complete photographic journal of the two hospitals.  These photos show every aspect of the hospital representing all departments, and the history making moments of each facility here in Richmond, Indiana.  The transformation was astonishing.  

     I’m proud that our community, administration and governing board had the insight to make changes in planning for the future.  Today, Reid Hospital services more than patients.  The hospital serves our community in leadership and stability in a world that changes with each election.  

     While photographing the building and staff, many of them shared excitement and concerns. One concern was the loss a building that holds so many past memories, recognizing change can be hard though exciting.  It was obvious, as I walked the halls, why the move was needed.  Seems everyone was starting to work on top of each other, and the building showed the history of medicine instead of the future of health care.  

   Something that was important to the employees was the feeling that a larger facility would mean less daily interactions with friends.  Thus, this was a change that was hard to accept.  Today, the new Reid facility is larger but the staff seem to have found new ways to connect with their peers.

     This past memory is support by the employees in the lab.  In planning for the new hospital a decorating committee was formed to help keep the vision for the new hospital and make it personable.  The committee was charged with keeping the hospital looking clean and fresh for years to come.  I feel the  employees have found a way to support that goal, and connect with their peers in a large facility.  

   For example, the employees in the lab came up with an annual photography contest for their staff.   The top three winners display their art on a wall available to them.  Today, I’m blessed to judge the photos for their annual photography contest using the 12 elements of photography.  Photography connects the staff, friends and employees. 

       Another memory, happened during the move while watching experts install the new MRI equipment.  I asked questions and gained knowledge.  This makes me think how good the staff are at Reid in answering questions.

   The Reid staff, and administration, themselves, are always asking good questions.  What will happen with the change in government?   How can we serve our patients?  What works and what does not?  We have a responsibly in our community to ask our questions and get solid answers concerning health care.  Reid provides that information freely and with confidence on how and why they make their decisions related to health care.  

   Education gives us a better understanding.  Like any operating business, Reid has their limitations.  So, they will refer their patients to facilities that can care for our unique health care needs.  Hospitals are no different.  Answered questions helps us be patient, while being a patient.  When we’re patient, we support the hospital staff while they support us. 

   After talking to the team installing the MRI equipment I realized, like a car, as soon as you drive the car off the lot, it loses it’s value.  So as they installed the new MRI they were making plans for the next generation of technology.

    I am honored to be a photography for Reid Hospital’s BRAVO events, to donate art for the BRAVO auctions where money is raised so women can have free mammograms.  I’ve been able to donate art for the Art for Heart auctions, and to have my photographic art hanging on the walls in the Cancer Center.

     Three photographers were asked to submit their photos for consideration.  It was a paying job that allowed me to honor my family, and friends that experienced cancer. Out of the 55 artistic photographs, I have 53 honoring those families and friends. 

   Reid has been there for my personal health needs, the times I cared for my family, and in growing long lasting friendships.  Today they support my business as a photographer.  

     Thank you to the staff at Reid Hospital for hiring me for Reid events, in particular that historical move.   

    Follow this link to Reid’s web site for more information about our historical Reid Hospital in Richmond Indiana. 

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    We have a lot of reasons to be proud.  Blessings, Cynthia Rauch 

   http://www.reidhospital.org/index.cfm?pageID=17

 The Pal-Item video link. 

http://www.pal-item.com/VideoNetwork/3064143658001/Go-inside-the-old-Reid-Hospital-building