Island Hospital CEO Vince Oliver (pictured) presided over a groundbreaking event Thursday morning at the site of a major construction project (artist rendition behind Oliver). The groundbreaking drew a range of guests, from elected officials to hospital staff and administrators. Also present were Tasker Robinette, the first hospital administrator, and Ho Taylor, who was a prime mover in the initial community drive to establish a public hospital. Among politicians were City Councilman Nick Petrish, State Rep. Dave Quall and Skagit County Commissioner Don Munks. Laurie Gere was also on hand, wearing hats as Hospital Board President and City Council member.The renovation centers around a new 31-bed patient-care wing featuring single-patient rooms. Rooms will be flexible and can be used for critical and acute-care patients, eliminating the need to divert patients to other hospitals when the Critical Care Unit is full.