A Message from the President and Chairman of the Board
You can't manufacture pride. Like dedication and compassion, pride is something you can demonstrate only if it's real.
|
Thomas P. Pipicelli |
Our pride in The William W. Backus Hospital is the real thing.
You may think, after a year that saw the completion of the largest expansion and renovation project in your hospital's history, that we'd be proud of what we built. But really, we're proud of what we stand for: Patient-centered care.
Backus patients are the focal point of this Annual Report to the Community because they are at the center of all we do. Whether you are in hospital bed on one of our nursing floors, using an outpatient area on or off the hospital campus, or attending one of dozens of community health events we sponsor and take part in — we exist for you.
In nearly every aspect, 2007 has been a milestone year for your hospital. In marking the timely completion of our complex and comprehensive facilities enhancement project, we have delivered on a promise to our community: To make your hospital as responsive to your needs as it can possibly be.
Metrics that Matter
Since we broke ground on the BackusCare project in July 2005, we are proud to have progressed mightily toward that goal. At Backus, we measure progress not in terms of square feet and construction costs, but in how we have met your needs.
We doubled the size of our Emergency Department, adding amenities for increased comfort and enhanced privacy. The metric that matters is not the 25,000 square feet of new and renovated space, or the 55,000 visits our ED saw. It is what you say about your experience. And we are so proud that, even in the midst of construction, Backus ranks in the top 3% of EDs nationwide for patient satisfaction.
We expanded our use of leading-edge radiation therapy so more patients could receive top-quality cancer care close to home. The American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer confirmed we are meeting our community's needs in the highest fashion possible. In September, they once again designated Backus as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program. Your hospital earned nine commendations — a perfect score — during a recent accreditation visit, making Backus eligible for a national Outstanding Achievement Award.
We completely renovated and opened two inpatient units in our E-wing. We are proud that we are meeting your healthcare needs — and your expectations. These units are equipped with high-level telemetry equipment, allowing the growing number of patients with heart-related issues to receive the care they need. A new Progressive Care Unit on E-3 allows patients who need more acute care to be treated efficiently. Our patient satisfaction results on these units tell us you appreciate the compassion, as well as the technology.
Our all-new Same-Day Surgical area puts a premium on comfort and care. As more and more surgical procedures become same-day operations, we listened to patients and their families, and incorporated their suggestions into how we could best design our new space to meet their needs. As with other areas of the BackusCare project, this complex renovation and expansion of waiting and recovery space represents a promise kept.
Patient-Centered Care
|
Richard H. Strouse |
Our intense focus on patient safety and quality was rewarded in 2007 with accreditation from the Joint Commission, an independent organization that evaluates and accredits nearly 15,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the United States. The Commission's surveyors found Backus in full compliance with all 17 National Patient Safety goals.
Surveyors were especially impressed by our Rapid Response Team, a group of critical care clinicians who can respond immediately when a patient's condition changes. This saves lives, and improves the quality and outcomes of care.
We have made other important investments that are paying daily dividends for patient safety. Our investment of more than $1 million for all-new inpatient beds means your loved ones recuperate in an environment with numerous fall-prevention and safety features. Staffing our Pharmacy 24 / 7 means our pharmacists are available to answer questions and provide counseling about medication use — enhancing medication safety, a nationwide issue. A medication-dispensing pharmacy robot increases both safety and efficiency. These are examples of our philosophy that safe, quality care requires investments in our great staff, and in emerging technologies.
Through careful decision-making and solid teamwork, your hospital achieved an operating margin in 2007 that will enable us to make additional enhancements that our growing and changing community needs and expects from its hospital. Working hard to achieve a solid bottom line — especially as healthcare dollars tighten — allows your hospital to improve its delivery of care on and off campus.
Looking Ahead
Backus has not stood still. Although annual reports provide an opportunity to look back, we need to focus on the future.
The vision for that future is embodied in our newest strategic plan, which was approved by our Board this past year. With input from our medical staff, employees and community, we are already on the way to meeting tomorrow's challenges today.
Three new developments are on the very near horizon at Backus:
The addition of 64-slice CT will offer extremely precise digital diagnostic images that can result in better diagnosis, faster recovery times and increased comfort and convenience for patients.
With digital mammography technology, doctors will be better able to manipulate and analyze images, and there is less exposure time for patients.
Radiology services are being planned for the Backus Outpatient Care Center — a continuation of our commitment to increase access and availability of these services. A Letter of Intent has been filed with the Office of Health Care Access, requesting approval for a Certificate of Need for MR and other radiology services at the Norwich outpatient center.
The Benefits of Backus
Not-for-profit hospitals like Backus provide innumerable benefits to the community. Our service in hundreds of ways during the past year — from community screenings to educations health forums, from participations in charity events to collaboration with community health partners — is a very visible way the Backus family shows its pride.
So the next time you see the Backus Mobile Health Resource Center van at a community function, hear of a free cholesterol screening, or take part in a cancer education event, please remember the compassionate and dedicated members of the Backus family who make these good things happen. Our staff is living out the Backus mission to improve the health of our communities.
In these pages, you will see how Backus has been busily enhancing quality and safety; how programs and services have met new community needs; how you and your neighbors have responded generously to the cause of supporting our hospital's Foundation.
Yes, we are proud of Backus Hospital, its dedicated people and compassionate care. More to the point, we work to be a hospital you can be proud of, too.
Richard H.Strouse
Chairman of the Board
Thomas P.Pipicelli
President and Chief Executive Officer