By Lindsay Peyton

Highline Medical Center staff and administrators mingled with Burien city officials and other guests over lunch, music, trivia, face-paining, balloon art and a Teddy Bear Clinic—all part of the hospital’s 60th anniversary celebration.

“Happy Birthday,” Burien Mayor’s Jimmy Matta said to the crowd gathered in the main building on the campus located at 16251 Sylvester Rd SW.

His daughter was born in the hospital. “Your care has really helped and benefitted our community,” he said. “I’m proud to say we have a hospital that gives good care and cares about its patients.”

Matta said the hospital has been an asset to the community and a major employer for the past 60 years.

“We want to continue to celebrate this service for 100 more years,” he said.

Ketul J. Patel, chief executive officer of CHI Franciscan Health, thanked staff, board members and volunteers for their service to Highline Medical Center.

“There’s been a lot of growth on this campus,” he said.

Patel acknowledged special guest Dr. Alan L. W. Gunsul, seated in the front row of the audience, who was a founding physician at the hospital.

Patel noted that Gunsul served the community before there was even a hospital in Highline, Patel said, and remains on of the center’s beloved role models.

“We’re trying to make sure our patients have the right kind of access and the right kind of service,” Patel said. “We’re already starting to prepare for the next generation.”

Tony McLean, market president for CHI Francsican Health, said part of the process of readying for the future is a renovation that will bring private rooms to the hospital, as well as state-of-the art equipment.

“We’re so excited to take Highline to the next level,” he said.