Responsibility for The Highlands to Change

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

The Reading Hospital has entered into an agreement in principle with Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries under which The Reading Hospital will become solely responsible for The Highlands at Wyomissing, a continuing care retirement community based in Wyomissing, PA.

The Highlands was established in 1989 as a joint venture between The Reading Hospital and The Lutheran Home at Topton, now known as Diakon.  The Highlands provides retirement housing and health services to 480 residents, and employs 390 staff.

Citing that the change will enable Diakon to focus on its core ministries, the Rev. Daun E. McKee, PhD, President/CEO of Diakon says, “We are delighted that we have reached this agreement through our relationship with the Hospital. We also are pleased that The Highlands has been such a successful community over the last 20-plus years, and we offer our hopes and prayers that the community will continue to serve the needs of older adults in the Berks County region.”

Scott R. Wolfe, President & CEO of The Reading Hospital, expressed his appreciation “for the vision of The Lutheran Home at Topton and the continued support of Diakon that led to the formation and maturation of The Highlands.  The Reading Hospital remains committed to supporting the residents and staff in maintaining The Highlands as the leading continuing care retirement community in the region.”