In an op-ed piece penned by Jennie Stuart Health Board Chair Leslie Carroll and released Thursday, she noted the hospital’s trustees are “guided by their duty” to support the health system’s critical role in the community.
As stewards of a “cherished asset” that has both ensured the health of a community and served as an anchor of the local economy for more than a century, it is a responsibility they “do not take lightly.”
Like many in the community, Carroll said their own families rely upon the compassionate care this health system provides, from births to broken bones, and their focus is positioning Jennie Stuart and its physicians for success both today and well beyond their years of service to the Board.
The fact is, she said, local non-profit health systems across the country are facing significant challenges. And Jennie Stuart is not immune to these pressures. While leadership works diligently to navigate a difficult operating environment, the current system lacks the financial resources necessary to make much-needed investments in the capabilities and technologies required of a modern health system.
Just last week, Carroll added that research firm S&P Global published a detailed report on Jennie Stuart. While the report makes clear that Jennie Stuart maintains a “stable” operating performance, this analysis also outlines the financial limitations facing the hospital system as they continue to encounter “historically elevated expenses.”
She continued that “ensuring the highest quality of care for patients and attracting, retaining and empowering caregivers requires Jennie Stuart to make substantial long-term investments.”
Therefore, she said a stronger future for Jennie Stuart demands proactive action today to not only maintain financial position but also to ensure a brighter future for our patients, providers, and community tomorrow.
Over the last year, Carroll said the Board has considered a thorough list of potential partnerships and other strategic initiatives that could create a stronger future for Jennie Stuart (including opportunities specific to gaining access to an electronic health record “EHR” system).
With support from leading external advisors, the Board determined that Deaconess is an ideal partner for Jennie Stuart, given their closely aligned mission of providing high-quality, community-focused care and ability to provide the resources needed to make essential investments in Jennie Stuart’s technology, facilities and the employee experience.
Carroll said they recognize change can bring uncertainty – and they know that they can, and should, do more to communicate why this is the best path forward for Jennie Stuart.
With this in mind, she said the Board welcomes members of the community to join Jennie Stuart Trustees for an information session planned for Wednesday, October 30, at 6 PM in the Cotthoff Learning Center at Jennie Stuart Medical Center.
According to Carroll, advancing Jennie Stuart’s incredible legacy and supporting people will always be at the heart of every decision they make, and they are committed to making thoughtful decisions and taking actions that will improve the care provided.