Auburn Memorial Hospital: A Year in Review
By Scott A. Berlucchi, FACHE, President/CEO
These are exciting times at Auburn Memorial Hospital. There are many challenges, to be sure, but we are successfully responding to our community’s health care needs with proactive policies and “out of the box” creativity. Since joining AMH in April, 2007, I am more convinced than ever of the Hospital’s bright future. My heart is in this institution, and with the continued commitment of our Board, physicians, nurses, employees and community, we are ensuring that AMH will be here for our children and our grandchildren.
In 2008, we will renew our focus on caring, close to home. We recognize that quality care, driven by the Medical Staff and customer service, responsive to patients’ needs, are the keys to a successful healthcare enterprise in serving its community. Therefore, AMH will stress transparent, regular communication with our community as we develop our long-term vision for the future. We welcome input regarding our community’s needs and the Hospital’s role in fulfilling those needs.
Financial Results
Auburn Memorial Hospital experienced an extremely successful 2007, in spite of significant challenges. The Hospital achieved an operating gain of nearly $1 million which was our first gain in 4 years and our largest gain in over 8 years. This is a clear indication to all that we have turned around operations.
Financial highlights include:
- Total operating revenues of $72 million
- Total operating expenses of $71 million
- Total payroll and employee benefits of $43 million
- 700 employees
- 4,700 patient admissions
- 250 births
- 147,000 out patient registrations
Quality of Care
Quality care continues to be provided at AMH. During 2007, the Hospital’s quality of care has been monitored by patient care ombudsman Carole E. Mead. The reports have been excellent, noting that the facilities (including the urgent care centers) are clean and well kept, and the staff friendly and helpful. Most important, patients and residents at AMH and the Finger Lakes Center for Living are receiving the quality care which is our top priority.
The Hospital submits information to a national quality indicator program, known as Core Measures, and continues to see improvements in all indicators, ensuring that quality care is provided at AMH. The Hospital has further contracted with a national vendor, Press Ganey, to provide patient satisfaction surveys, enabling the Hospital to respond to the voice of our patients and identify opportunities to improve care.
Customer Service
Customer waiting time for Lab tests in the hospital has been cut by 80% and more pre-registered patients now go directly to the appropriate department instead of waiting in Central Registration. The new Fast Track system in the Emergency Department has reduced waiting time significantly. To better serve our community, AMH has opened new Laboratory testing stations for a total of 7 locations; and a new Radiology service center (including digital mammography) on Seward Avenue, Auburn. CT scans are now available around the clock and the hours for pulmonary function testing have been expanded.
Hospital Modernization Project
The hospital began the architectural and construction planning during 2007 for an $8.8 million project which will modernize the medical rooms, operating room suites and the heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems. It is the first significant modernization project in nearly 15 years and will be completed by November 2008.
The project is being entirely funded by a New York State HEAL II grant of $4.4 million and the very generous donations of the Auburn Hospital System Foundation ($2 million); The Allyn Foundation ($1 million); The Fred L. Emerson Foundation ($800,000); The Stanely W. Metcalf Foundation ($250,000); The D.E. French Foundation ($100,000); and The Columbian Foundation ($50,000).
Essential Diagnostics Center
During 2007 the hospital expanded its health and wellness services for women with the addition of the Selenia digital mammography system at its Essential Diagnostic Center. This state of the art system provides patients with the highest quality of care in the prevention and early detection of breast cancer.
Digital mammography differs from conventional mammography in how the image of the breast is viewed and, more importantly, manipulated. Each and every patient at the Essential Diagnostics Center receives personalized care designed to meet her individual needs.
Fingerlakes Weight Loss Program
The Fingerlakes Weight Loss Program at AMH, which has been designated as an Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Bariatric Program of Medical Excellence, added a new option for patients in 2007. The LAP-BAND ® Adjustable Gastric Banding System has helped hundreds of thousands of people worldwide to achieve lasting weight loss. Dr. Carl Weiss III, Surgeon, offers this procedure as another choice for those who want to lose more than 100 pounds.
New Physicians
Brian Bennett, MD, joined the active medical staff of the Hospital during 2007. Dr. Bennett is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and completed an internship and residency at the University of Rochester Medical Center/Strong Memorial Hospital. Dr. Bennett earned his MD degree at the University of Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He joined Internal Medicine Associates located at 77 Nelson St.
Guillermo Quetell, MD, also joined the active medical staff of the hospital during 2007. Dr. Quetell is board certified by the American Board of Surgery. He earned his MD degree from the State University of New York in Syracuse, completed an internship at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City and a residency in general surgery at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas.
New York State Grants
With the significant support and advocacy of Senator Michael F. Nozzolio and Assemblyman Gary D. Finch, the hospital was the recipient of $1 million during 2007. In March 2007 the hospital received $500,000 through the efforts of Senator Nozzolio to assist funding of the turnaround efforts.
In June 2007 the hospital received notification that it would receive another $500,000, through the efforts of Senator Nozzolio and Assemblyman Finch, which funded the acquisition of the digital mammography system at the Essential Diagnostic Center.
Community Outreach
Auburn Memorial Hospital continues to serve our community by offering annual educational events such as the Heart Expo in September and the Women’s Health Institute in October. The free, public Medically Speaking lecture series provides a variety of talks by AMH physicians on healthcare-related topics. For more information, visit our events page.