Your generous financial contribution will help support Newton Medical Center and keep quality health care accessible for our future. The gift you give will make a difference.
Dear Family and Friends,
Imagine the excitement of welcoming a new baby in your home.
Early in 2009, Jennifer and Klee Watchous, of rural Newton, were preparing for the arrival of little Tessa. She would join a family that already included brothers Kale and Lane, and sister Victoria—each born without complications at Newton Medical Center. But this time would be different, doctors told the couple. It was a high-risk birth, so Jennifer was advised to deliver at a large metropolitan hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit. “As it turns out, Newton Medical Center would have had everything we needed,” Klee said. “But out of an abundance of caution and the possibility we’d need neonatal care, we took the doctor’s recommendation.”
It was the first time the Watchous family experienced a hospital other than Newton Medical Center, and they noticed the difference. “We felt like we were viewed just as someone to run through the system,” Klee said. “There seemed to be a faceless, nameless corporate mentality. And everything was very clinical.”
A week after the birth, Jennifer and Tessa were able to transfer to Newton Medical Center, where they stayed for an entire month. Klee and the other children visited almost daily.
“The contrast was so stark in the way we were treated,” Klee said. “What separates our Newton hospital from others is that the staff cares more about you as an individual. The people are exceptional, and they show a personal interest in you and your child. We were treated like family throughout our extended stay.”
In his work as president of Palomino Petroleum, Inc., Klee travels widely and hosts clients from a distance. Out-of-towners have told him that Newton Medical Center is special, but he realizes he took it for granted. Now, he says, he understands what they’ve been talking about. “It’s extremely important to the community to have quality health care services available to us,” Klee said. “And Newton Medical Center offers such a wide range of services—especially when you consider the size of Newton and our proximity to Wichita.”
Klee has supported Newton Medical Center for a long time, but his recent experience at another hospital has renewed his commitment to helping maintain this high level of care in our community. “Even in these tough economic times, it’s important for Newton Medical Center to stay focused on the long-term. It’s important to maintain progress and stay updated on technology— and fulfill the vision of the hospital,” he said. “I feel that the hospital is a good steward of health care dollars. As a business owner, it’s the kind of operation I’d want to be involved with. And when you come away from the hospital, you feel good about the level of care you’re getting.”
Because Newton Medical Center is not-for-profit, any earnings are reinvested in the hospital and the community. So, the more NMC thrives, the more everyone in Newton benefits.
“I encourage everyone to visit the hospital and see what’s happening,” Klee said. “If nothing else, just stop in at the cafeteria for lunch. I love the food up there!”
Hoping for your support,
Steve Kelly
President and CEO
P.S. You are part of the family at Newton Medical Center, and part of our future, too. Please mail your donation, today or contact our development office at (316) 804-6129.
Newton Medical Center
600 Medical Center Drive
Newton, KS 67114