Message from the President
One of our most recent highlights was the opening of the Androscoggin Valley Medical Arts Center in January 2012. Hospital representatives and town leaders partnered for more than three years on this project creating a strong sense of community-wide engagement. The result is an attractive multipurpose medical center sitting on a redeveloped corner of downtown Livermore Falls that had been a vacant mall for more than 20 years. Since its grand opening in January, an ever increasing number of patients have been served at the new facility. Ultrasound, cardiology, pulmonary care, and ear, nose and throat specialty care are among the new services available.
Other recent projects were renovations to the lobby and emergency department (ED) completed in the summer of 2012. Three private registration offices were added by the main entrance and the switchboard was moved closer to the emergency department. Patients entering our main lobby check in at the information desk for guidance, while those seeking services in the emergency department enter its designated entrance. The ED greeter directs patients to new registration and triage offices and secure doors manage the entrance of staff and visitors into patient treatment areas. This new protected ED unit provides for safer care, more efficient patient flow, and increased security.
While new and remodeled buildings are exciting, the very best care begins with our physicians, nurses, and staff.
This past year, six new providers and one new specialty practice, Franklin Health Ear, Nose & Throat, joined Franklin Health medical practices. Before Dr. Michael Joseph joined our medical staff in April, it had been more than a decade since an otolaryngologist had practiced in the area. Additionally, new hospital-based medical providers include: a hospitalist, an emergency department doctor, and three consulting outpatient providers.
For the second consecutive year Franklin Memorial Hospital was named among the nation’s “Most Wired” hospitals in 2012. This award speaks volumes to the dedication of all of Franklin Memorial Hospital’s medical staff, nurses, and other employees who use technology and innovation every day to create an exceptional experience for our patients.
We are continuing our work toward implementation of a patient-centered medical home model (PCMH), a health care setting that facilitates partnerships among patients, their team of health care providers, and when appropriate, patients’ families. The PCMH model designates a primary nurse-provider team that coordinates patient care across a continuum of settings ranging from the primary care office to specialty clinics to inpatient areas. Care is facilitated by registries, information technology, health information exchange, and other means to assure that patients receive the indicated care when and where they need it, and communicated in a way that they understand. In the past year, Franklin Health primary care nurses have been busy modifying their roles in preparation of this model by enhancing their teaching skills and knowledge of the science of chronic disease management.
As we move ahead, Franklin Community Health Network will continue to focus on improving patient safety and quality while reducing cost of services, assuring access to care, and promoting a healthy, vibrant community for future generations.
Rebecca Ryder, Franklin Community Health Network President & Chief Executive Officer