Who is Robert?

I missed this article in the East Valley Tribune, even though I was sort of looking for it:

Situated on 60 acres of dirt in Gilbert is Priscilla Tyler’s peace of mind. Tyler and her husband, Robert, knew their 86-year-old town had no hospital when they moved to Gilbert in 1997. But that knowledge hit home when Robert had a heart attack in 2001.

Now, “there is something close by to relieve that anxiety,” Tyler said.

Tyler and roughly 5,000 other residents toured the new facility on Saturday during an open house. Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, the town’s first full-service hospital, will open June 5.

“The town has grown so fast that services can’t keep up with it,” she said.

“I think the powers that be worked as fast as they could. Things can’t happen overnight.”

The hospital has 88 inpatient beds and 33 beds in its emergency unit. The property can accommodate three additional 100-bed towers, one of which is expected to be completed within the next year.

Artwork by local artists is hung throughout the hospital, which also has wallpaper and carpet to absorb noise. Computers are by each bedside to keep charts in a database that physicians can access from their offices. Flat-screen televisions are in every room — including the emergency rooms — with options for more expansive cable and movies for an additional charge.

The hospital is owned by Catholic Healthcare West, the same company that owns Chandler Regional Hospital.

The Tylers are friends of ours, and residents of Higley Groves, and I don't think I've ever heard him referred to as Robert; we usually call him either Bob or Curmudgeon, whichever his behavior dictates at the moment. I spoke with them on Sunday and Priscilla was indeed effusive about the new hospital, as has everyone been who has visited. There are couches in every room, unlimited visiting hours, even in ICU, and everything points to serving the customer and making them and their families comfortable.

Priscilla's parting comment illustrates how well the hospital has succeeded in projecting hospitality: "It almost makes me want to get sick!" High praise indeed.