On Thursday, November 9th, the Department of Surgery voted overwhelmingly to support the second stage of the BWPO. With two-thirds required for approval, 89 percent of the votes were favorable. This was an important step in the evolution of economic integration so essential to the future of the hospital and its physicians. The Departments of Anesthesia, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Orthopedics have subsequently approved the BWPO. In early December, the remaining departments will be casting their ballots on this issue. The BWPO will provide physicians with the stronger, unified voice so critical to our ability to successfully negotiate with payers and adapt to the challenges inherent in this new health care environment.
Nowhere is the impact of this evolutionary adaptation more clearly
evident than in the expansion of the relationship between BWH and Faulkner Hospital. With the merger now two years old, the importance of this affiliation is reinforced every day.
During the last fiscal year, more than 1,600 BWH surgical procedures were performed at Faulkner. We anticipate that the number will grow substantially as both hospitals take advantage of the benefits of working collaboratively. This is essential as we continue to grapple with the high demand for our services.
Faulkner Hospital can also be instrumental as a means to address the increasingly public challenges of emergency room diversions. As we head into another flu season, our Emergency Department caregivers have assembled a proactive approach to leverage the resources of both institutions in a period of high demand.
At home, we are implementing a strategy to maximize existing space to meet our patient needs. We have recently unveiled the Robert and Ronnie Bretholtz Center for Patients and Families and will soon open new beds on the 16th floor of the patient tower. The new ICU will be completed by February, and planning for two new buildings over the course of the next several years is well underway.
During this time of celebration and success, I offer my sincere appreciation for everything you provide to this hospital. Rest assured that we are all working hard to ensure that your efforts will be the seeds for our continued success.
Sincerely,
Andy Whittemore
Chief Medical Officer