CORRY, PA (March 16, 2023) — LECOM Health Corry Memorial Hospital today held a ceremony to recognize the accomplishments and career of Barbara D. Nichols, R.N., president and chief executive officer from 2000 – 2023.
After 44-plus years of dedicated service to Corry Memorial Hospital, Nichols will retire Friday, March 17.
“Barb is certainly leaving an indelible legacy on the people past, present and future of Corry Memorial Hospital and all the families she has served in the Corry community and surrounding areas,” said Jasen Diley, vice president of affiliated services for LECOM Health. “Of all her many remarkable achievements over the span of her career, Barb’s biggest contribution might be the way she has inspired people and made them feel.”
Some highlights of her career:
- Started home health care in 1983
- Initiated Corry Ambulance Service in 1990
- Implemented Corry Ambulance Service Inc. in 1995
- Opened the oncology clinic in 1996
- Started hospice program in 1997
- Launched Garden of Life
- Opened the Geriatric Psych Unit with 10 beds, overseeing the building renovation and behavioral health unit in 2001
- Signed the lease agreement for Clymer Health Center in 2004 (now Clymer Rural Health Clinic)
- Led Corry Memorial Hospital to reach Critical Access Hospital status in 2005
- Planned the building of the new critical access hospital starting in 2008, which opened in 2012
- Oversaw Corry Memorial Hospital becoming part of LECOM Health in 2016
- Participated in the rural health clinics – first on York St. in 2016, then Corry’s new location in 2019, Union City in 2020 and Clymer in 2021
- Upgraded 2D mammography to 3D mammography in 2019
- Implemented DEXA Scan in 2019
- Implemented Pet/CT mobile in 2021
- Started Low-Dose CT Lung Scans in 2021
- Participated in Parkside at Corry’s opening in 2021
- Reached Age-Friendly Health System status in 2022
“Barb’s commitment to excellence and the community drove her to provide exemplary healthcare services for the rural population,” said Diley. “We congratulate her on a tremendous career and unwavering devotion to Corry Memorial Hospital.”
Diley presented Nichols with a dedication plaque that will be displayed in the foyer of the hospital, a book of memories and other gifts in front of members of the board of directors, staff and Nichols’ family.
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LECOM Health is a highly innovative, multi-faceted healthcare and education system. As the nation’s only osteopathic academic health center, LECOM Health includes Millcreek Community Hospital, Corry Memorial Hospital, Medical Associates of Erie, LECOM Senior Living Center, LECOM Senior Living Communities, LECOM Medical Fitness and Wellness Center, LECOM Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, LECOM Center for Health and Aging, the Visiting Nurse Association of Erie County, the Achievement Center of LECOM Health, and Corry Counseling Services of LECOM Health. At the core of LECOM Health is the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), the largest and one of the most affordable medical schools in the country. Since 1993, LECOM has trained more than 16,000 healthcare professionals through its cutting-edge, student-centered College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Pharmacy, School of Dental Medicine, School of Podiatric Medicine, School of Health Services Administration and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at campuses in Erie and Greensburg, PA, Bradenton, FL, and Elmira, N.Y.
Contact:
Melissa J. Dixon
LECOM Health Communications and Marketing
(814) 462-5093
mdixon@corryhospital.com