Backus has successful year
PrintNORWICH – The completion of the largest expansion project in The William Backus Hospital’s history, a consistent focus on patient-centered care, new technology, innovative programs and a positive bottom line were the highlights of 2006, according to the hospital’s annual report that is now available by clicking here.
Thomas P. Pipicelli, President and Chief Executive Officer, said completing the $50-million BackusCare project including the addition of two new patient floors, doubling the size of the Emergency Department and Same Day Surgery — while at the same time providing high quality, compassionate care — is a proud moment for the region’s not-for-profit, community hospital.
“Hospitals are not made of buildings,” Pipicelli said. “They are made of people. I want to thank every single person associated with Backus who helped us move this project forward through your input, your hard work and your dedication. This was — and this will always be — a team effort: with our employees, medical staff and volunteers. On behalf of administration and the Board — and from a grateful community — thank you.”
Richard Strouse, Chairman of the Board, and Pipicelli outlined a number of other accomplishments in the past year:
- Three-year accreditation from the Joint Commission, which surveys hospitals nationwide to ensure that they meet patient safety standards.
- Verification as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program, which means the hospital offers the best in cancer care in a community hospital setting.
- Diagnostic Imaging designated as a “Breast Imaging Center of Excellence.” This is a new designation for organizations that achieve accreditation in an array of breast health imaging areas.
- Top 3% in Emergency Department patient satisfaction for all hospitals nationwide with 40,000 or more Emergency Department visits.
- Continued expansion of services at the Backus Outpatient Care Center, with the addition of the new Backus Arthritis Center, which since January has accommodated more than 5,500 visits.
- Verification from the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma as a level III trauma center, the only one in eastern Connecticut.
- Development of a Breast Health Patient Navigator Program, a comprehensive health resource for women in the detection and treatment of breast cancer.
Dan Lohr, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, said the hospital’s $9.1 million operating margin is 4% of the overall budget, meaning it is in the 3-7% range experts recommend for not-for-profit community hospitals, as they must be able to reinvest in facility upgrades, new technology and employee wages and benefits for recruitment and retention, as well as reduce debt. Mr. Lohr also reported that Backus provided $47.8 million in community benefits during the last year alone, including $14 million in charity care.
At Backus Hospital’s Annual Meeting of Corporators Nov. 14, Peter Disch was elected Vice Chairman of the Board; Joseph Fatone was elected Secretary; and James Cronin remains Treasurer.