Message from our CEO

Advancing Patient Care for Our Community

Last year was challenging for the healthcare industry and the global economy. Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) not only persevered through these turbulent times, but we also managed to grow and report a profit. Following a financial loss in 2006, CRMC broke even in 2007 and posted surpluses in 2008 and 2009. We were able to do this despite reductions in state and federal aid.

The coming year will continue to be challenging, with additional state and federal budget cuts expected. CRMC has planned for this and will maintain a conservative budget that lets us continue key initiatives such as improving customer service and expanding community outreach.

Some of our key accomplishments in 2009 included:

• Re-launching the CRMC Web site featuring in-depth information for the local community,
• Regaining accreditation by The Joint Commission, which is recognized nationwide as a symbol of health care excellence,
• Launching new customer-service initiatives throughout the hospital,
• Receiving a $2.9 million HEAL NY grant to expand primary care and outpatient services in Sullivan County and
• Opening the Callicoon Family Health Center, a clinic in Callicoon, N.Y., providing service to western Sullivan County and neighboring communities in Pennsylvania.

Looking ahead to 2010 and beyond, CRMC will continue to improve patient satisfaction and add new services for our community. In January 2010, we became the lead agency for the Rape Intervention Services and Education (RISE) program of Sullivan County. This program offers a variety of services for those who are or have been victims of sexual abuse, and prevention education. This is an absolute necessity for our community and we are proud that RISE can continue its mission through CRMC.

In addition, our plans include expanding the size of our Emergency Department to decrease wait times while the HEAL NY grant will allow us to expand our primary-care and outpatient services throughout Sullivan County. We will open new diagnostic centers in Monticello and Callicoon, and a new family health center in Livingston Manor. We will continue to look at every aspect of our offerings to improve patient flow and add healthcare services. This is all part of our mission to improve the well-being of our community by providing exceptional healthcare.

Please check our Web site often for updates on services and news about CRMC. We want to provide up-to-date information on our services to the community.

Finally, I would like to thank my colleagues at CRMC for their contributions to our success. We could not have ended 2009 in such a strong position without their efforts.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 845.794.3300.

Catskill Regional Medical Center - Advancing Patient Care for our Community.

Sincerely,

Steven Ruwoldt
Chief Executive Officer
Catskill Regional Medical Center
February 2010