Investment: Services

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Backus exists to serve. Every day, around the clock, on the hospital campus and off, the residents of eastern Connecticut rely on their community hospital to be there. It is not a responsibility we take lightly. Healthcare services take many forms. Of course, traditional outpatient and inpatient care are how most people become familiar with Backus. But the hospital's reach extends beyond the walls of its facilities. It includes educational events and health screenings; fund-raising to meet pressing healthcare needs; and advocacy on behalf of those who depend on us for care.

Outcomes:

Meeting women's health needs

Backus Breast Health Initiatives

Backus is making a significant investment in breast health, which includes adding the latest in digital imaging technology, improving the early detection and treatment of cancer and adding a new program to help guide women with abnormal mammograms through the healthcare system.

A primary beneficiary of the Backus Foundation's fund-raising efforts is the Backus Breast Health Patient Navigator program, which began in 2008. The program helps guide patients during a frightening time in their lives - after they have received news of an abnormal mammogram. It is the only program of its kind in the region, and provides assistance from detection to diagnosis, with counseling, support and help setting up appointments.

New services

Palliative care and Stroke programs

Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States and the number three killer of Americans. Victims of stroke who are admitted to hospitals with an active stroke program have better clinical outcomes.

That is why Backus Hospital has applied to be certified as a Primary Stroke Center by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Backus is uniquely qualified, given its extensive experience using life-saving medical protocols for trauma care. Backus Hospital also has seven neurologists on active staff -the most of any hospital in eastern Connecticut. We expect to receive certification from the Connecticut Department of Public Health by early 2009.

In addition, Backus is offering palliative care services. Palliative care involves goals established by the patient and family with the help of caregivers - physicians, nurses, social workers, pastoral care representatives and many others. Palliative care helps with symptoms like pain and difficulty breathing; shortens re-admission rates; lessens length of stay; reduces the overall cost of hospitalizations, and best of all, improves the quality of patient care.

Reaching out

From border to shore

Although our main hospital campus is in Norwich, the community we serve extends from the shoreline to the Rhode Island border and into Windham County. We continue to strategically add programs and services beyond the four walls of the hospital.

To our north, along the Interstate 395 corridor, we added a new blood drawing station in the Moosup section of Plainfield. The Backus Plainfield Medical Center offers convenient access for the residents of Windham County.

To the west, we added new diagnostic imaging services at our Colchester Backus Health Center, including new MRI technology, digital mammography and bone density scanning. Two primary care physicians, who are Backus Medical Staff members, established offices in Colchester.

We also unveiled a new regional service - Backus Home Health Care. It offers skilled nursing services; physical, occupational and speech therapies; medical social workers and home health aides. The agency also provides specialized programs for wound care, behavioral health, diabetic and cardiac telemonitoring.

Community education

At the core of what we do

Backus has a strong reputation for its ongoing commitment to community health education. While our Mobile Health Resource Center is one of the more visible symbols of this, it is only one of many ways we communicate preventative health measures and provide screenings to those who need them.

During the past year, thousands of people were helped by our cholesterol screenings, prostate screenings, blood pressure screenings and educational lectures that promote wellness and better quality of life.