News

Hospital Holds 2008 Annual Meeting

Athol Memorial Hospital recently held its annual meeting for Corporators and the Board of Trustees with James Meehan, Jr. Chairman of the Board of Trustees presiding.

Physicians presented by Medical Staff President Mohsen Noreldin, MD, MPH, for 2009 Medical Staff Officers and Chiefs of Service were approved. Medical Staff Officers are: Mohsen Noreldin, MD, MPH, President; Paul O’Braonain, MD, Vice President; Heidi Foley, MD, Secretary/Treasurer. Chiefs of Service are: C. Joseph Mathew, MD, Chief of Pediatrics; Mohsen Noreldin, MD, MPH, Chief of Internal Medicine; Paul Sabel, MD, Chief of Radiology; John Skrzypczak, MD, Chief of Emergency Medicine; Timothy Soule-Regine, MD, Chief of Family Medicine; Robert Sprague, MD, Chief of Anesthesiology; Thomas Ukena, MD, Chief of Pathology; and Mark Wu, MD, Chief of Surgery.

Pauline Briggs, Nominating Committee Chairperson, presented the following who were nominated and elected as Officers of Corporation: James Meehan, Jr., Chairperson; William Meehan, 1st Vice Chairperson; Mohsen Noreldin, MD, MPH 2nd Vice Chairperson; and Laurey Kenerson, Clerk. Steven Penka, FACHE was appointed President and Dean Fleming was appointed Treasurer.

Portions of the President’s annual report stated “Athol Memorial Hospital continues, on a daily basis, to provide to the people and communities of the North Quabbin Region, the type of quality healthcare close to home that is the hallmark of our hospital. This past year has been one of continued positive fiscal health, while furthering high quality and safe care in a community setting.”

“The Board of Trustees, Medical Staff and Hospital staff support the Hospital in many ways which allow us to consistently meet and exceed quality standards and regulatory compliance” acknowledged Penka. “The Auxiliary especially deserves the gratitude of the Hospital and the community at large for its support.” The Auxiliary donated more than $31,000.00 worth of equipment to the hospital in FY 2008.

Highlights of the past year include the relocating the medical practice of Fadi Baladi, MD to a completely renovated facility in Phillipston; family practice physicians Michael Reeves, MD and Lorraine Hazard, MD joining the active medical staff; the expansion of neurology services provided by Martha Fehr, MD, and the addition of orthopedic surgeons David Fabian, MD and Peter Brassard, MD.

Healthcare services expansion and improvements include Sleep Center upgrades, new stress test equipment, state-of-the-art endoscopy technology, an increased MRI schedule, a new high speed 16 slice CT scanner, a new bone density scanner, completion of the Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) and other new clinical equipment in the laboratory and medical-surgical nursing areas.

Outreach efforts spanned participation in regional events, such as the Athol/Orange area Food-a-thon and numerous health fairs, as well as an expanded flu clinic schedule, increased community education presentations, and expanded internship opportunities. The Healthcare Scholarship Program completed its third year by awarding $15,000 to local area residents who are pursuing an education in healthcare related fields. A Medication “Check Up” was again provided by Athol Memorial Hospital Pharmacy with the help of Massachusetts College of Pharmacy staff. The first annual Women’s Health and Wellness Fair kicked off with great success.

A Community Health Needs Assessment, initiated by the hospital with the assistance of the North Quabbin Community Coalition and other local area service agencies, was conducted. Results of the project will be used to plan the hospital’s future Community Benefits Program.

Other areas of note included ongoing Emergency Preparedness planning, progress in the hospital’s information technology strategic plan, increased outpatient activity, and surpassing patient satisfaction goals of more than 95% very satisfied with their care at Athol Memorial Hospital. Penka also mentioned the record $20,000 raised at the Annual AMH Golf Tournament and thanked all who participated.

Prior to adjournment of the meeting, Al Bowers, Athol/Orange Area Rotary Lifeline Treasurer, presented a $25,000 check to the hospital for future projects and promised an additional $25,000 over the next three years. The Athol/Orange Area Rotary Club co-sponsors the Athol Memorial Hospital Lifeline program, a personal medical alert system.

Athol Memorial Hospital is not-for-profit acute care and outpatient facility serving the communities of the North Quabbin region. It is designated as a Critical Access Hospital and Primary Stroke Center, licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and fully accredited by the Joint Commission.