ThedaCare Honors Visionary Namesake, Theda Clark, with New Name
ThedaCare today announced that Theda Clark Medical Center becomes ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah on Wed., March 23. The new name is part of an organization-wide rebranding effort announced nearly two years ago so all locations throughout Wisconsin are identified with the same name.
“ThedaCare carries with it a legacy of excellence in healthcare in our communities,” said Brian Burmeister, senior vice president, ThedaCare Medical Centers. “Our name honors a remarkable woman, Theda Clark Peters, who dreamed of a better life for the people of Neenah and northeastern Wisconsin. We are privileged to be carrying on her incredible legacy.”
On Oct.18, 1903, Theda Clark Peters gave birth to a baby daughter. Three days later, Theda died from complications of childbirth. True to her visionary nature, she had prepared for this possibility. Shortly after learning she was pregnant, she asked her brother, Bill Clark, to administer her estate to develop a community hospital in Neenah if something happened to her. Bill honored his sister’s wishes, and in 1909, Theda Clark Memorial Hospital opened its doors.
“Our history makes us who we are today. That’s why it’s important to honor it—and learn from it. As we change and grow, it’s important to never lose sight of what we’ve accomplished through the years,” Burmeister added. “Like Theda Clark Peters, we are passionate about helping our communities. Theda’s story and dedication is well known in Neenah, but because of our rebranding, her legacy of compassion and dedication to improving Northeast Wisconsin will be better known from Shawano to Berlin, and Waupaca to Chilton. The name ThedaCare already is on our clinics, most of our hospitals, home health, behavioral health and other facilities. Our name not only provides more clarity for our patients and employees about our facilities, but reflects our century-long commitment to delivering care with compassion and empathy. As we move forward together, the achievements of those who came before us serve as a guiding light as we build our future.”
ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah is the Fox Cities’ only Level II Trauma Center, one of only eight in Wisconsin, giving friends, family members, and neighbors a better chance of recovering from traumatic injuries. ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah also includes stroke and spine care, as well as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, one of only 33 centers in the nation to be recognized by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery.
The decision to develop a rebranding strategy in 2014 was made after thoughtful, extensive research with health system leadership, team members and the community. Many ThedaCare facilities have already rolled out the new branding. Others will follow later this year, including Appleton Medical Center, Berlin Memorial Hospital and Wild Rose Community Memorial Hospital, which will become ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton, ThedaCare Medical Center-Berlin and ThedaCare Medical Center-Wild Rose. The Appleton facility will change in April.
From its earliest days, Theda Clark Medical Center focused on community needs, thanks in part, to the compassion of Theda Clark Peters. In 2008 and 2015, ThedaCare was named a finalist for the Foster G. McGaw Prize, one of healthcare’s most prestigious honors for excellence in community service. The prize is given to honor health care organizations that demonstrate and understanding of their community’s unique needs.
For more than 100 years, ThedaCare™ has been committed to finding a better way to deliver serious and complex healthcare to patients throughout Northeast Wisconsin. The organization serves over 200,000 patients annually and employs more than 6,800 healthcare professionals throughout the region. ThedaCare has seven hospitals located in Appleton, Neenah, Berlin, Waupaca, Shawano, New London and Wild Rose as well as 34 clinics in 14 counties. ThedaCare is the first in Wisconsin to be a Mayo Clinic Care Network Member, giving our specialists the ability to consult with Mayo Clinic experts on a patient’s care. ThedaCare is a non-profit healthcare organization with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs as well as a foundation dedicated to community service. The ThedaCare Regional Cancer Center in Appleton opened in February. For more information, visit www.thedacare.org or follow ThedaCare on Facebook and Twitter.
