Over the course of the last several months you’ve heard me discuss the challenges facing this and other hospitals throughout Massachusetts and the nation. These challenges are very real and exceptionally persistent. However, I am proud to report that through the diligence of our team of care providers we have been able to directly address these challenges in a way that has enhanced our mission to quality care.
We continue to grapple with the issue of strong demand for our services. Volume and acuity levels increased in an environment of declining lengths of stays. During the last 12 months, we have admitted more than 30,000 patients, witnessed 10,000 births and attended to more than 50,000 visits to our Emergency Department.
At the same time, this institution continues to reap the benefits of its evolving research mission, receiving a record $181 million in grant awards over the last 11 months, up from $116 million at the same point last year.
Without exception we are bursting at the seams. Clearly, we have created an historic biomedical research enterprise dedicated to the highest levels of patient care and innovative teaching opportunities. Patients seek us out because of our tireless efforts to ensure their needs are met.
In the face of this unprecedented growth, we have identified opportunities to expand to meet our patients’ needs. The evolution of our relationship with Faulkner Hospital continues to be a key ingredient in our future success. We need to facilitate greater admissions to Faulkner. We have in place a strong infrastructure that will support patient needs there, including hospitalists and residents.
While the financial challenges facing BWH and other hospitals remain all too real, we look forward with optimism and faith that this great institution will continue to develop its mandate and reputation for exceptional care.
Andy Whittemore
Chief Medical Officer