President's Message to the Community - Spring 2012
May 10, 2012
Dear Friends,
The renewing spirit of spring is sweeping through our community and the positive power of change is taking root, especially at Heywood Hospital. We have a bold vision to become one of the best independent community hospitals in the country. It is far-reaching, but we firmly believe that world-class healthcare can be delivered in a community setting – right in North Central
Massachusetts. By focusing on the leading, evidence-based practices in medicine, quality, service, programs and procedures, our incredibly talented and impeccably trained caregivers render exceptional care with unrivaled warmth, expertise and compassion. It is with great pride that I share the most recent milestones on our journey to healthcare excellence with you.
Transitional Care Center at Heywood Earns National Recognition
This February the Transitional Care Center (TCC) at Heywood Hospital was ranked among the top nursing and rehabilitation facilities in the nation. The TCC was included in the 2012 U.S. News Honor Roll for achieving a perfect five-star rating by the Federal Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. Of the 15,500 nursing and rehabilitation facilities in the nation surveyed, only 39 received the consistent five-star rating required to be ranked among the best. This recognition is a testament to the level of care provided by our physicians and staff. Please join me in congratulating our TCC team on their stellar performance and commitment to patient care excellence.
New MRI Center Opens at Heywood Hospital
I am pleased to share that we recently opened our new MRI Center, bringing state-of-the-art Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology to our region. It features the leading-edge technology of the 1.5T Toshiba Vantage Titan ultra-short Open Bore MRI, offering patients an open environment and ample room with minimum enclosure. Our new center allows radiologists better visualization of exam results than ever before. By combining comfort with technology, the new MRI Center at Heywood advances our diagnostic capabilities, bringing our imaging services to the highest level and improving your experience as a patient.
Tobacco Free Zone
As a healthcare organization, we are dedicated to combating tobacco use, the number one cause of preventable disease. While smoking and tobacco use has long been prohibited on the Heywood campus, in December, the Gardner Board of Health enacted a Tobacco Free Zone surrounding Heywood Hospital. With the passing of this new ordinance, smoking and tobacco use is now prohibited within 200 feet of Heywood Hospital property. We are bolstered by the support shown by our community, and will continue to do our part to address the on-going smoking epidemic in our region through outreach programs to our schools, staff and patients. We look forward to working with you to create a healthier environment for our community, free of the devastating health conditions caused by tobacco use.
Celebrating Our Healthcare Team: Nurses Week and Hospital Week
Each year, the healthcare industry recognizes the many contributions made by healthcare professionals during Nurses Week and Hospital Week, both of which take place the week of May 6th this year. Community hospitals, such as Heywood, support our patients through the most joyful and the most challenging experiences of their lives. From birth to geriatric needs, from emergency care to management of chronic conditions, your community hospitaland its nurses, doctors, and the entire staff are dedicated to your health. So this year, during Nurses Week and Hospital Week, please remember the many healthcare workers whose compassion and care have made a difference in our lives and in the health of our community.
Your Partner in Health,
Winfield S. Brown, FACHE
President & CEO
Heywood Hospital
