Butler Health System | Health Link | Summer 2020

Stronger together In December 2019, Clarion Healthcare System (CHS) joined BHS. By January, as chief integra- tion officer for the system, I was overseeing the in- tegration efforts between the two organizations that were already under- way. A clinical integra- tion oversight team was established, focused on financial, IT, medical education, human resources and corporate functions—all designed to improve the ef- ficiency of operations and effectively onboard the CHS employees. Then COVID-19 hit! Interestingly, much as the pandemic has spurred innovation and disruption within the health care industry, Butler Health System similarly experienced an acceleration in the integration efforts, most notably in telehealth. The system leveraged its strength in telehealth, rapidly rolling out the platform to ensure inpa- tient access to BHS specialty providers in infec- tious disease, pulmonology and cardiology. In addition, primary care and specialty practices in Clarion were set up within days to begin successful “virtual” patient visits, an innovative access to care that many believe is here to stay. Rising to the challenge In line with the adage “Never let a good crisis go to waste,” the pandemic brought leaders across the system together to plan a compre- hensive response (including surge capacity and new guidelines) to protect staff, patients and the community—leading the way in our respec- tive markets. It accelerated assimilation and affirmed our cultural alignment. To date, integration efforts have included joint physician recruitment, Clarion providers joining The Bridges ACO, PHSO (an account- able care organization focused on population health), consolidation of contracts, materials management, telehealth and progress on a new electronic medical record system that will transform patient care across our expanded network of providers. In the coming months, as we emerge from the immediate pandemic crisis, you will see more evidence of integration as BHS solidifies its strategy and positions the organization for long-term success by bringing strengths and services together to improve access, conve- nience and patient experience in the many markets we are privileged to serve. Ken DeFurio, President and CEO Steven Davis, MBA, FACHE, Clarion Hospital President BHS is focused on your care BHS NEWS 2020. What a year it’s been. I was speaking to a physician the other day, and she described the overall environment as “unsettled.” That’s a pretty good description of life as we know it these days. Throughout the pandemic, Butler Health System has been in very close contact with national, state and regional medical leadership. We pay very close attention to best practices, with an ever-vigilant eye on staff and patient safety. Our local physician experts in infectious disease and many other specialties are as good as any you will find, anywhere. We are fortunate to have them at BHS. Standing strong Our hospitals, outpatient services and doctors’ offices are 100% open and available to care for you. Talk to your doctor, and do not delay necessary health care. Life goes on, and we are continually focused on your safety and taking good care of you. Out of an abundance of caution, we have certain visi- tor restrictions in place. Most people understand that we are protecting every- body, and they are willing to accept change and minor inconvenience. When face-to-face meetings aren’t as possible, we challenge ourselves to be sure that we are in communication with patients and loved ones through other means. Phones, tablets, and other web-based devices have proven to be extremely helpful in this “new normal” in which we find ourselves. Butler Health System continues to stand strong. As we look toward the future, we are focused on excellent acute-care hospitals and a robust ambula- tory platform that is high-quality, less expensive and the future of how care will be delivered in the 21st century. I see a future for BHS with a deeper focus on community health, healthy lifestyles, and medical education—that is, the train- ing of future generations of doctors. It will be exciting as all of this develops for Butler Health System, for our community and for you. We continue to be independent, locally controlled and here for our com- munity. You support us, and we take care of you. That’s a good relationship. As always, thank you for choosing Butler Health System. Butler Health System complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. TTY: 711. 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。 TTY: 711 。 HEALTH LINK is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of: BUTLER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL: 1 Hospital Way, Butler, PA 16001-4670 724-283-6666 • butlerhealthsystem.org Ken DeFurio President and CEO Jana Panther Director of Marketing and Public Relations Anne Lehman Editor To opt out of this mailing, contact Public Relations at 724-284-4200. People who are hearing-impaired can access the hospital by calling the AT&T operator at 800-654-5988 (voice) or 800-654-5984 (TDD). The caller can then notify the AT&T relay system operator and request relay services to BMH at 724-283-6666. Information in HEALTH LINK comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. BUTLER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on any basis, including a person’s age, sex, color, race, religious beliefs, national origin, disability or lifestyle. BMH also provides services without discrimination regardless of a person’s age, sex, color, race, religious beliefs, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, lifestyle or source of payment. 2020 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Numbers to know Butler Memorial Hospital Main . . . 724-283-6666 BHS Clarion Hospital Main . . . . 814-226-9500 BHS Care Center: Find a doctor near you! . . . . 833-602-CARE (833-602-2273) HEALTH LINK 2 |