Mount Desert Island Hospital celebrated awards, milestones and a positive bottom line at its annual meeting, held August 6th at the Bar Harbor Club.
The Hospital recently received the 2007 Outstanding Rural Health Organization Award from the National Rural Health Association. “This award is a tribute to the dedicated and talented professionals that make up our team,” said Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer, Art Blank.
The Hospital also won a fifth consecutive Overall Best Performer for Patient Satisfaction award from the research firm Avatar International, Inc. The award is given to just twelve hospitals nationwide for high patient satisfaction survey scores throughout the organization. “This award underscores the patient-centered approach to care, practiced throughout our organization,” said Mr. Blank.
In May, MDI Hospital received the Governor’s Council on Physical Activity Contest for Communities Award for its Spring and Fall Walking Programs. “This award reaffirms the commitment our Hospital makes to helping members of our community adopt healthy, active lifestyles,” added Mr. Blank.
Wendy Fielding, the Vice President of Finance and Support Services, pointed to a 12 percent increase in doctor visits during fiscal year 2007 as a major reason for the Hospital $1.1 million overall gain. “A large piece of the increase was at the MDI Behavioral Health Center,” explained Ms. Fielding, adding that 4,000 more patients were treated in fiscal year 2007 than in the previous year, an increase of 56 percent.
“Visits to our primary care practices grew by seven percent,” added Ms. Fielding. “Even the emergency department saw 5% growth in the number of services.”
Adding to the Hospital’s healthier bottom line was an increase, by over $1 million, in the operating margin. Ms. Fielding also credited the generosity of donors for the Hospital’s improved financial standing.
Growth in Hospital facilities was also cause for celebration. “Two weeks ago we had the pleasure to cut the ribbon on our new Gilmore Critical Care Unit,” remarked Mr. Blank. The new facility is part of the first phase in the development of the Colket Inpatient Care Center, due for completion in 2008.
The evening culminated with the presentation of the Volunteer of the Year Award to Development Committee Chair Harriet Whittington, and the Employee of the Year Award to co-winners Roberta Cummings and Kay Moore.