|
News
Hospital Invites
Affiliation Proposals
May, 2009 - Athol Memorial
Hospital’s Board of Trustees, at
their recent monthly meeting,
approved a recommendation of the
hospital’s Strategic Planning
Committee to invite proposals from
other healthcare organizations for
possible affiliations or other
transactions. The Request for
Proposals is part of a strategy to
explore Athol Memorial Hospital’s
options moving forward over the next
three to ten years.
“The intent is to solidify our
future position in the market,”
states Steve Penka, FACHE, Athol
Memorial Hospital’s President and
CEO. “Over the past ten years we
have expanded services and upgraded
to state-of-the-art technologies. We
are recognized for the high quality
of our patient care. We work hard at
maximizing revenue and minimizing
expenses. Our bottom line has been
positive for the last ten years and
is expected to be so again for FY
2009. It makes sense to investigate
opportunities from the position of
strength we have achieved. ”
Current events including the
worldwide economic downturn,
impending national and statewide
healthcare reforms, and the need to
implement mandated information and
quality control systems contributed
to the Board’s decision. Other
influencing factors include the need
to expand Emergency Services,
renovate outpatient areas, and
attract additional primary care and
specialty physicians. Athol Memorial
Hospital is concerned with its
ability to stand alone during
continued periods of market
challenges and financial
constraints. An affiliation could
allow Athol Memorial Hospital to
access the necessary fiscal and
human resources for long term
success in its mission to provide
healthcare to the communities of the
North Quabbin Region.
Athol Memorial Hospital is
not-for-profit acute care and
outpatient facility serving the
communities of the North Quabbin
region since 1950. 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.
|
