PICKAWAY PROGRESS: OhioHealth is investing Pick. County's future

There’s no denying that OhioHealth Berger Hospital is an institution in Pickaway County.

Circleville’s hospital joined the OhioHealth system in 2019.

And about a year aog, OhioHealth Berger Hospital president, Casey Liddy joined the hospital as interim president in February of 2023, moving to a permanent capacity in May 2023. Online version of this story contains a link to the story announcing Liddy's success.

To update our readers, let’s do a Rolling Stone magazine style interview – back when Rolling Stone was cool.

Much like interviewing a rock star like Bob Dylan about music, the Herald chose to talk to Liddy about the hospital.

Herald: Regarding the lease agreement with the City, what are the most important updates?

Liddy: Tax revenue to the city has doubled since becoming an OhioHealth member hospital. We continue to grow services to keep care in our local community, which also grows employment in Circleville.

We’ve added over 15 full time equivalent new physicians and providers since signing that agreement, including a neurologist, a pulmonologist, an oncologist, orthopedic surgeons, urologists, primary care physicians, and numerous specialty advanced practice providers.

Herald: Generally speaking, what are your strategic plans and when will they kick off?

Liddy: The years since joining the OhioHealth system have been focused on hiring providers and making investments in critical infrastructure changes that have had a huge impact on patient care.

The emergency department renovation was the first of these major investments, followed by investments in our operating room. With a strong foundation in place, we’re now looking at other front and center changes that the community will continue to see. Our main goal is to continue to grow and keep as much care close to home as possible. We are constantly listening to the community’s feedback and planning for the future.

Herald: Any new capital initiatives planned? — What else is in the works?

Recently, the hospital added a state-of-the-art operating room that boasts 200 square feet of additional space, totaling 800 square feet, and is equipped with cutting-edge robotic technology to ensure the highest quality of care for patients.

Online version of this story includes a link to a story that has more information about the operating room.

Liddy: We are always upgrading our equipment and facilities to support our team and better serve our patients.

As you noted, we announced a $10 million investment in our surgical services earlier this spring, which included a new state-of-the-art operating room. That project also included the expansion and modernization of the hospital’s pre-surgery areas, Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and waiting rooms. The new operating room is complete. The remainder of that work will be kicked off in the summer.

We’re also in the planning stages of a project to remodel the hospital cafeteria.