Dear Colleagues:

In this my first letter as the new BWPO chairman, I am pleased and honored to help lead the BWPO during this important period for our organization and the entire institution.

The second quarter 2004 Press, Ganey survey scores had encouraging news not only for BWH, but physicians as well. Scores indicated across-the-board improvements in physician-related questions.

The rankings with similarly-sized teaching hospitals were at the 86th percentile level or above for questions concerning physician friendliness/courtesy, concern, information and time with patient. Skill of the physician ranked at the 98th percentile.

The Press, Ganey, scores are tremendously helpful not only as positive feedback from our patients, but as indicators of patient concerns that we need to address together. I look forward to your comments and suggestions on improving our patient contact and to working with you as we move ahead.

Sincerely yours,

Lawrence H. Cohn, MD
Chairman, BWPO