Greencastle Veterinary Hospital expands; Floral vendor at Valley Mall through Valentine's
Editor's note: This story was updated at 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 12, 2024, to clarify the source of information regarding Envy Bouquets.
Greencastle Veterinary Hospital doubles in size
Greencastle Veterinary Hospital, located at 862 Buchanan Trail East, recently doubled in size to around 9,000 square feet.
Ground was broken for the project in December 2022, work was completed in August 2023 and a ribbon-cutting ceremony sponsored by Cumberland Valley Business Alliance was held Jan. 25.
The bulk of the expansion is a large addition to the south with exam rooms, a dedicated dental suite, another surgical area and more prep and treatment spaces. Coupled with a small addition to the west for extra patient housing, the size of the building doubled to about 9,000 square feet.
There are now nine big open exam rooms, up from four; a dental suite is equipped with everything needed for extractions, cleanings and X-rays; and tubes coming from the ceiling in several locations to deliver medical-grade oxygen generated on site.
The expanded reception area bridges the old and new sections of the building, which is decorated throughout with photos of staff members’ pets.
The second floor of the addition has tables and chairs for staff education, such as pharmaceutical updates, while there are offices in the dormers.
The practice was started on Browns Mill Road by the late Dr. William Kirkpatrick. Dr. Alan Oliver joined Kirkpatrick in the early 1980s. Alan Oliver, now retired, and his late wife, Janice, built Greencastle Veterinary Hospital at the present location at in 1992.
Their son, Dr. Daniel Oliver, joined the practice in 2011 and is one of four partners with Dr. Erica Izer, Dr. Daniel Cafarelli and Dr. Aaron Amstutz. The staff includes two other veterinarians, Dr. Rodney Hess and Dr. Keith Long, four certified veterinarian technicians and 10 to 12 assistants and client service representatives, according to Chanda Thompson, practice manager. A seventh veterinarian will join the group after she graduates in May.
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Envy Bouquets has temporary stand in Valley Mall
Envy Bouquets has opened a temporary stand in the Valley Mall, in Halfway, through Valentine's Day, according to public relations for the Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT), owner of the mall.
Envy has a variety of flower arrangements.
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McKay named CEO for local hospice operations
Sara McKay was recently named chief executive officer for Hospice of Washington County, based in Hagerstown, and for Franklin Hospice, based in Chambersburg, Pa., according to an announcement from the not-for-profit organizations.
McKay, who began the post officially on Jan. 4, succeeds Ernesto Lopez. Lopez became president of The Denver Hospice in Colorado last August. McKay served as acting CEO for both hospice organizations since August.
She previously was the organization's associate vice president of operations, overseeing clinical and business operations for Hospice of Washington County, Franklin Hospice and Lifecare Health LLC.
McKay joined Hospice of Washington County in 2019 as its marketing director.
“Throughout its 40-plus years, Hospice of Washington County has earned the trust of the local community as demonstrated by the tremendous philanthropic support we receive from individuals, local employers, and foundations for our mission fulfillment work,” McKay said in the news release.
"Doey’s House, our 12-bed hospice inpatient care center; our wide-ranging grief and bereavement programs for children, teens, and adults; our work with and for veterans — all that and more is made possible by the generous support of our friends and neighbors in Washington and Franklin counties and the dedication and commitment of our expert staff and talented volunteers," she said.
“I experienced several important losses in my teens and 20s — some of those loved ones died with hospice care, some without. That’s what has really motivated me to begin — and continue — my hospice journey," McKay said. "I want to do everything I can to ensure that families facing serious illness have the opportunity to experience hospice as early as possible in their end-of-life journey. My own family would have benefitted greatly from having hospice or having it earlier.”
Hospice of Washington County Chairman Jim Pierne, in the release, said "The Board of Directors once again has named a seasoned hospice administrator and advocate whose career began providing patient care at the bedside. Sara McKay not only embraces the mission fulfillment work of Hospice of Washington County and Franklin Hospice, she also is committed to fiscal and administrative rigor while ensuring we remain a rewarding, satisfying place to work for those called to a career in healthcare.”
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This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Greencastle Veterinary Hospital expands and new CEO for local hospices
