SWAN QUARTER — Cross Creek Health Care is celebrating 25 years of operation and opening its doors to a home care facility.

After opening in 1991, Cross Creek is now one of Hyde County’s largest employers, employing about 60 people, according to a press release.

Parent company Liberty Healthcare recently moved its home care services to Cross Creek, and the move is expected to bring more than 30 new patients to the facility, the release stated.

“It has its own staff, as do we, but there is the potential that we could share staff in the future,” said Gerri Weatherly, longtime Cross Creek administrator. “If we share our resources, it benefits us all.”

“Operating the two care entities from one facility is a no-brainer,” the release stated. “Not only is it easier and cheaper to operate, it provides a special level of continuity in care for Hyde residents.”

Liberty and Cross Creek hosted an event Nov. 16 to celebrate their merging of services under one roof. Catered by the dietary staff, the event also featured a lineup of old photos, news articles and past awards.

Swan Quarter Baptist Church was presented with an award at the event, thanking it for its 25 years of volunteer service. Staff also honored the late Dr. Charles Boyette, who served as the Cross Creek medical director until his death this year.

“This is a good coordination of care … for the continuity of care,” said Tony Zizzamia, Liberty Healthcare stakeholder.

Weatherly, who has served as Cross Creek administrator for more than 20 years, said the facility is lucky to have staff members who are from the area. This gives patients a more comfortable, at-home feeling when they visit.

“We are very blessed that the majority of our staff are local,” Weatherly said. “We know our residents.”

With 25 years under its belt, the Cross Creek/Liberty staff is looking to the future to continue its model of care for another 25 years.

“It is a very exciting milestone,” Weatherly said. “We opened in 1991 and have been serving this community … for all these years.”