Mississippi Baptist Medical Center held a dedication ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 15 for a new Critical Care Waiting Area located on the first floor of the hospital. The 9,000-square-foot waiting area is now open and includes a chapel, two consultation rooms, mobile charging stations, a dining area, private desks, printers, secure family restrooms, personal lockers and a playroom for children. The waiting room is near the critical care patient area, making it easier for families to get up-to-the-minute status updates.
“We’re pleased to provide this special waiting area for families of critically ill patients,” said Bobbie Ware, CEO and administrator of Mississippi Baptist Medical Center. “Having a loved one in the hospital is stressful, especially when that person is very ill. But knowing you can wait nearby in a comfortable space with access to your family members’ room and their caretakers can help improve the experience and reduce anxiety.”
The Baptist Health Foundation, the charitable arm of the hospital, raised the $2.5 million needed for the Critical Care Waiting Area. The following donors embraced the vision and shared generously to help make the new waiting area a reality:
- Ergon Foundation
- Ann and Rick Calhoon
- Mississippi Baptist Convention Board
- James M. Thomas and Luvie C. Thomas Foundation
- Stribling Equipment, LLC
- Dea Dea and Dolph Baker
- Henry and Martha Hederman Charitable Foundation
- Suzan and J.H. Thames, Jr.
- Jackson Pulmonary Associates, P.A.
- MBMC Volunteer Auxiliary
- Regions Foundation
- Feild Co-Operative Association, Inc.
- The William H. Ellsworth Foundation
- Mr. and Mrs. Kurt W. Metzner
- Betsy and Kane Ditto
- N.L. Carson Construction Company, Inc.
- Carry the Mission
- The Walker Foundation
- Lisa and Chris Anderson
- Mrs. Robbie W. Hughes
- The R.H. Green Foundation
- Drs. Becky and Chris Waterer
- Dr. and Mrs. Neil Haraway
- Dr. and Mrs. Bob Wilkerson
- Bobbie and Robert Ware
“We are grateful for the generosity of our donors, led by the Baptist Health Foundation board of regents,” said Stephen Snead, executive director of Baptist Health Foundation. “Our board launched the donation campaign for this beautiful waiting area with their generous early commitments, which inspired many others to give.”
