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Robert V. Stanek
President and CEO |
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December 2009
As 2009 draws to a close, we can look back over the events of the last twelve months year and honestly conclude that it has been a truly historic year in our nation’s history. In January, the United States of America made history by inaugurating its first African-American President, Barack Obama, who made history later in the year when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Our nation worked through a deep recession and passed a record-breaking, $787 billion economic stimulus package aimed at jump-starting the ailing economy. The outbreak of the H1N1 influenza strain, commonly referred to as "swine flu", was deemed a global pandemic.
With the nation’s leaders working through the details of what could be the largest national health care reform effort in our nation’s history, I am proud of CHE’s growing commitment to care for those who are poor and uninsured in the communities we serve. Our care providers have shouldered the growing financial burden of caring for all who seek our aid – regardless of their ability to pay. By the end of this year, we estimate that CHE will provide nearly $300 million in community benefit programs and services across our ministry. While we hope and pray that the nation’s health care reform efforts will substantially reduce the number of uninsured residents over time, we pledge to continue to fulfill our mission of continually seeking ways to assure access to services to persons most in need.
All of this is being done in the context of our nation going through its worst economic times since the Great Depression. We salute the efforts of each RHC and JOA in continuing to provide the best possible services to their communities while being mindful of the importance of being good stewards for the resources entrusted to us. To some of you, this has meant a refocusing of your mission. We understand the challenges that are being met by all of you, and I want you to know that our board and Sponsors appreciate all of the hard work being done every day “in the trenches.”
At Catholic Health East, 2009 has proven to be a breakthrough year on a number of fronts. Through the dedication and support of colleagues throughout our ministry, the Advancing Clinical Transformation (ACT) initiative, great strides have been made in identifying, analyzing and implementing clinical transformation opportunities that will result in superb clinical outcomes and enhance quality and patient safety across the system. Tremendous progress has been made in the reduction and/or elimination of several hospital-acquired conditions that have been targeted by our clinicians. Other notable achievements include our MIDAS+ implementation (which provides CHE case managers with state-of-the-art tools and systems for tracking and authorizing services across the system) and the more than $111 million in savings that have resulted from our system-wide clinical transformation and operations improvement efforts.
System-wide, our focus on person-centered care continues to gain traction. Our 2009 governance-management (Mission Possible: Building the Bridge to Person-Centered Care) brought together board members, sponsors, clinicians, and management from throughout CHE. The conference was a watershed event which will serve as the genesis of CHE’s transformation to be a truly person-centered health care delivery model.
We are making additional strides towards the future. Several RHCs are in various stages of setting up and expanding home telemonitoring services for selected patients; we are also embarking on an in-home monitoring system for Coumadin® patients. Additionally, many of our RHCs have partnered with the Paquin Group to build and operate customized, internet-based storefronts with over 6,000 health and wellness products, providing opportunities to build relationships and grow revenues.
On an even larger scale, we are embracing technology to help us achieve our quality and patient safety goals. CHE is investing nearly $300 million over the next few years in CPOE (computerized provider order entry) and other advanced clinical systems that will lead to CHE becoming a “meaningful EHR (electronic health record) user” as defined by the Economic Stimulus Act of 2009. This clinically led, system-wide initiative will incorporate evidence-based care and leading workflow processes. In addition to improving the way the care is provided, reducing errors and enhancing patient safety, our cost of implementation will be offset by as much as $100 million if we achieve meaningful user status.
On a personal note… 2009 has been an extraordinary year for me. Earlier this year, I announced my intention to step down as president and CEO, with the goal of hiring a new chief operating officer/CEO designate by the end of 2009.
Just today, CHE’s board of directors concluded its months-long search process with the announcement that our very own Judy Persichilli, who currently serves as CHE’s executive vice president of acute care, has been appointed as CHE’s new chief operating officer/CEO designate. Judy’s appointment is effective immediately, and, because she is an internal candidate with a great deal of familiarity and experience with our health system, the transition process can clearly be completed in a shorter time period than originally anticipated. I will work closely with Judy to help her assume the CEO role by the end of 2010.
I ask you all to join me in welcoming Judy to her new role, and for your continued commitment and support in assuring a smooth and successful transition to new leadership in 2010. Thank you for everything you do every day to make Catholic Health East be a transforming, healing presence in the communities we serve.
Blessings and best wishes to you, your family, and your colleagues in ministry for a happy and healthy holiday season!
Sincerely yours,
Robert V. Stanek
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Catholic Health East
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