Caring People and Responsive Programs
Backus provides more than quality healthcare; we provide a measurable community benefit.
Members of Hartford Hospital’s LIFE STAR crew, based at Backus Hospital, provide 24-hour emergency air transport. |
Like hospitals nationwide, we continue to see an increase in uninsured and under-insured patients. It is estimated that there are 50 million uninsured Americans, and here at Backus Hospital we are no strangers to this dire state of affairs. This situation places a strain on the entire medical system, and is particularly burdensome on our Emergency Department, which serves the function of a primary care provider for those who lack the means to go to a personal physician.
Last year alone, Backus provided more than $3.3 million in uncompensated care, and we are actively forming partnerships with other healthcare providers in the region to deal with healthcare access issues.
Our Hospital also provides lifesaving services such as the only Trauma Center east of the Connecticut River, and Hartford Hospital's LIFE STAR helicopter. In the past year alone, we handled 235 trauma cases.
To address healthcare access issues, Backus is among 17 community providers that have forged a partnership with the Community Health Access Management Program (CHAMP) to help uninsured patients obtain affordable medications. A CHAMP employee is available for Backus Emergency Department patients to learn about insurance programs that are available to them, and assist them through the application process.
The problems facing the healthcare industry are real, but not insurmountable. At Backus Hospital, we are trying to do our part, and we are receiving recognition for our efforts. The New England Board of Higher Education recognized Backus and Three Rivers Community College with a Connecticut State Merit Excellence Award, which recognizes groups that make substantial contributions to improving higher education opportunities for students — specifically nursing students at Three Rivers.
Backus Foundation, Inc., which exists because of generous donations from the community, has contributed funds that allow Three Rivers to address issues such as student retention and faculty development. Backus Hospital's master's degree-prepared nurses also serve as adjunct clinical faculty for Three Rivers' students, who receive clinical training at the Hospital.
In addition, the Norwich Branch of the NAACP recognized Backus with a Community Service Award for “dedication and commitment to the health of the greater Norwich community.” We are deeply honored to receive these awards, which show there is appreciation for what we are trying to accomplish, and we are thankful for the strong and growing partnerships we have in this community.
Nationally known humorist Steve Sobel was the keynote speaker at Backus Hospital’s Fifth Annual Cancer Survivors Day. |
Backus prides itself on being responsive to the needs of the community.
Health education is one very visible way in which we advance our mission. In the past year, the Nursing and Community Education Department conducted 91 community education events, ranging from pain management to heart health to winter survival techniques. In many cases, we offered actual healthcare services such as flu shots, diabetes screenings and cholesterol checks on the Backus Mobile Health Resource Center. This vehicle exists because of a generous donation from philanthropist Harold Ross.
Other departments also organized health-related events that added up to touch the lives of more than 4,000 individuals.