The month of February brought long anticipated change and transition related to our evolving relationship with Faulkner Hospital and Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates (HVMA). Thanks to the enormous efforts of many people at all three organizations, we have set the framework for an exceptional model of care that provides enhanced community based options for our patients and continued access to the best tertiary care, as well as the finest obstetrical service in the nation.
As we continue to implement this vital collaboration, it is important to note the continued drivers of this change. Our relationship with Faulkner Hospital is unique and has become a model for others within the Partners network and throughout the nation. As community hospitals continue to struggle under the burden of diminishing patient volume and academic medical centers remain challenged by diminishing reimbursements for routine care, the BW/F model matches the strengths and advantages of both institutions in a manner that fends off these environmental factors.
Unlike other cities throughout the nation, Boston is particularly susceptible to these challenges since a much larger percentage of the population seeks its care at teaching hospitals. In order to maintain a healthy community hospital option, partnerships between academic medical centers and community hospitals have become essential in maintaining the overall viability of our health care system. Additionally, routine medical and surgical care can be accessed and provided more effectively and efficiently in an environment such as Faulkner Hospital.
I welcome your continued input and support as we move forward in these rapidly changing times. As we do so, we need to continue to embrace the type of innovation and creativity embedded in our relationship with Faulkner and HVMA, while continuing to insist on providing the best care for the patients that we serve.
Sincerely,
Andy Whittemore
Chief Medical Officer