2014 Goals Focus on Associates, Quality, Patients and Value

The following letter was shared via email with all Beacon Associates Jan. 31.

Welcome to a snowy start to 2014. I have received reports throughout the health system of teams pulling together to help one another and continue to serve patients and customers during difficult weather conditions. Thank you for going the extra mile, even when that extra mile is in the snow.

During the last several months, there has been significant work toward understanding and aligning our Beacon Health System goals. These goals will guide us in 2014 and help us understand how to best work together as a health system. As we move into the new health care reform environment, a strong integrated system will allow us to serve our patients and our communities in the best possible way. We have four distinct goal areas for 2014.

Quality: Our longstanding commitment to quality and patient safety continues. As clinical, operational, and experience standards develop, our health system will be aligned to deliver higher standards of quality and coordinated care. We must standardize care and treatment whenever possible, practice evidence-based medicine, and deliver better and more consistent value to those we serve.

Patient Satisfaction: Patient satisfaction is key in determining quality of care and an important component of patient outcomes. Patient-centered care offers an effective approach to improve patient healing and satisfaction through coordination, communication, patient support and empowerment. Fundamentally, every Beacon Associate contributes to the patient care experience.

Financial Value: Managing resources and reducing costs through efficiency and innovation allows Beacon to continue to invest in technology, processes, and services which will help us improve care and recruit and retain the best talent. Additionally, maintaining a healthy operating margin means organizational debt is financed at a lower interest rate, allowing more dollars for operations and better facilities.

Associate Engagement: Everyone wants to work with colleagues who are enthusiastic about their work. We value each Beacon associate and are actively promoting a culture where appreciation, teamwork, courtesy and regular communications reinforce engaged Associates who are motivated, focused on achieving goals, and actively participate in driving our future.

We are honored to light the way to wellness for those in our community. Please take a moment to review this information and let’s join together to achieve these important goals. Look for reports on progress as we move through the year.

Sincerely,

Philip A. Newbold
Chief Executive Officer
Beacon Health System

To access the Beacon Goals website, visit the Beacon intranet page.
Click the 2014 Beacon Health System Goals banner on the right-hand side of the page.  The URL is beaconhealthsystem.org/2014goals. (The website is only accessible when on the Beacon Health System campus.)