10/06/2026
2026 CVC-NBNA SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON MASTER OF CEREMONIES JOSEPH D. WILKINS, DPT, President
Bon Secours St. Francis in the community.
Earlier today, “Joe” spoke during the ground breaking ceremony for the new Bon Secours Emergency Center in Iron Bridge Road. Here is part of what he expressed:
“…In my many years of healthcare, and having served as president of St. Francis for six years, I've had an opportunity to see the patients as they come into our doors and the type of care they are receiving. There are times that they are very uncertain times. And also, there are times when there's very, very joyous times, and we have a great team in those moments that's able to cater to their needs. We want to make sure they have a facility that's going to provide them with what they need in the communities that they live in and that they work in. Health care, as we know, is constantly changing. And so are the people, because we want to make sure we can take care of anyone who comes into our community. And as you may know, Chesterfield County is one of the fastest growing communities in all of the Commonwealth of Virginia. And it's our duty, as an organization, to invest into our community and into those people, to make sure they have the care that they need and the care that they deserve.”
Today, we are marking the next step in our ongoing mission and journey to invest in our community. This facility will give our patients another option for emergency care and imaging close to home and to where they work. It's also creating an additional access point across our health system, and will help alleviate the backlog of patients that we have at the same Francis main emergency center at times. This new one story, 14,800 square foot facility, will include 12 exam roads, a 4 lab, CT, and x-ray capabilities. It will be equipped to evaluate and treat a range of emergencies, including the most traumatic, such as heart attacks and strokes, to potentially life threatening conditions as well. We also be able to treat significant injuries, infections, and anything that may happen in the soccer fields behind us, or in the pool beside us. When a patient requires inpatient care, the Iron Bridge Bridge Emergency Center will have direct access to St. Francis Medical Center. We'll be able to have a seamless connection, which will allow patients to go to our hospital and receive the care they need and deserve. As we continue to invest in the services for our community, we will make sure we can provide the services that they need. We are proud to partner with the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors, and Chesterfield County, EMS, and Fire, along with community leaders and other partners to bring this project to life. We're also grateful to the many people who have worked behind the scenes, including our real estate and destruction associates and architects. Their expertise, collaboration, and hard work have been invaluable.
Thank you for being here today, helping us celebrate this milestone as you prepare to take care of our community.
“Joe’s” remarks were kind, jovial, and insightful, and jovial during the ground break.
Join us on November 14 for our chapter luncheon as he serves as MC.
