The William W. Backus Hospital Annual Report 2005
This is where our future begins.

Parting Message from the Chairman of the Board

Carlos “Buck” Cook, III, Chairman of the Board

Years don't get more memorable than this. The launch of a $50 million expansion project that will modernize Backus Hospital for the benefit of future generations makes 2005 one for the books.

As I prepare to conclude my Chairmanship of the Board of Trustees, after five years in that position and an additional four on the Board, I feel great pride. Pride in seeing a dream that was years in the planning being realized. Pride in recognizing the accomplishments, tremendous healthcare programs and services that have been added and expanded at our Hospital. But, most of all, pride in knowing that the groundwork has been laid for Backus to handle the healthcare needs of the community for years and years to come.

That has been our focus throughout my years on the Board — steady growth, strategic advances and staying true to our mission of improving the health of the community. I've watched this Hospital evolve into a premiere healthcare facility, with state-of-the-art technology, cuttingedge programs and talented, compassionate healthcare professionals who always have the best interests of our patients in mind.

Providing this kind of quality healthcare to the community is essential for a non-profit, community hospital such as Backus. And doing so is not easy, especially at a time when government reimbursements are always in question, the number of uninsured and under-insured patients are climbing and the needs of the community are changing.

But through proactive, carefully considered decisions, we have been able to avoid the dire financial situations that have befallen other hospitals, and this solid financial footing was a reason we received bond financing for our facilities enhancement project, which has been in the planning stages for more than three years. However, remaining in a positive financial situation is becoming increasingly difficult, so vision and prudent management will be vital in the years to come. I am very confident that the incoming Chairman, Richard Strouse, his fellow Board members and the Hospital Administration are more than up to the task.

But sound management alone won't be enough for Backus to continue its vision as one of New England's most progressive community hospitals. To be able to install the latest technology, recruit and retain talented staff, provide healthcare to those who need it regardless of their ability to pay and embark on an expansion project of this magnitude, community support is essential.

And so, in my outgoing words as Chairman, I ask you to support your Hospital.

Backus is in the midst of a $5 million capital campaign for the BackusCare project. In a true display of the worthiness of this project, I am proud to report that the Hospital family (employees, Medical Staff, Board members, volunteers and nursing alumnae) has already pledged $2 million.

Support for Backus means ensuring a future for one of the most important things a community can have — a first-rate hospital that is there when you or your family need it.

We cannot simply assume that Backus Hospital will exist forever on its own. Hospitals across the country have been forced to close because of financial issues, and thin operating margins are a fact of life for non-profit entities. Fortunately, since the day it opened its doors 112 years ago, the community has always supported Backus Hospital. Philanthropy created this great institution, and the community's support is needed to sustain it.

And it's not just about the expansion plan. For example, in the past year, funds donated to the Backus Foundation helped pay for the pur-chase of a pharmacy robot that will enhance patient safety by reducing medical errors, and streamline operations.

This is just one example of how philanthropic support is crucial to enabling a hospital to grow. We are grateful for the many contributions we receive, and always are mindful of the trust placed in us by these charitable acts.

I would like to extend my most sincere thanks to the entire Hospital family for their support and hard work over the past nine years. This Hospital is the institution that it is today because of our employees, Medical Staff, the Backus Auxiliary, Alumnae, Volunteers, and our Board of Trustees.

I wish you all the very best as Backus continues its good work as the community's healthcare safety net. Backus Hospital will always have a very special place in my heart.

Carlos B. Cook, III,
Chairman of the Board