In the year since taking over the financially-troubled Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center, the new administration has increased patient volume in each department, substantially updated medical equipment, increased the number of employees to 800 and attracted new physicians, president and CEO Tom Gregorio said Tuesday in the First Annual “State of the Hospital” address.
Gregorio addressed community members, hospital employees and physicians gathered in the hospital lobby to mark the first anniversary of the purchase of the financially ailing hospital by MHA, a group of private investors.
“One year ago we took over a hospital that was losing more than $1 million each month. A hospital that would, as our state officials recognized, close if MHA did not take over,” Gregorio said. “I can tell you today that we have done far more than just keep this hospital open. We have now a stronger, more vibrant and far more clinically vital hospital today than we did a year ago.”
More importantly, Gregorio said, the most significant change at the hospital is creating a new spirit of teamwork among the staff that has led to a more caring and compassionate healing environment.
The address took place during an Open House, which included free health screenings for diabetes and blood pressure and flu shots for the community.
John Reilly, president of the hospital’s community advisory group, called the hospital a “jewel” in the Meadowlands.
“The new hospital administration has demonstrated to me that they want to do what is right for the community,” Reilly said. “They are adding a dimension to health care that we have not seen in our region before and they are taking Meadowlands health care into the 21st century.”
Secaucus Mayor Mike Gonnelli, who was recently treated in the Meadowlands Hospital emergency room, said he was impressed with the changes over the last year.
“The hospital is immaculate and I am just really glad they are here,” Gonnelli said. “The new administration has done so much for the community in the short time they have been here and has kept every promise they have made, such as providing us with ambulance services and community outreach.”
Jim Kirkos, the president and CEO of the Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce, said, “Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center is a major employer that contributes significantly to the local economy and it serves as an important community healthcare institution in the Meadowlands region. While so many businesses and corporations are struggling in this tough economy, this hospital is investing in their facility, new technology, and more importantly, their people.”
Gregorio described some of the highlights of the first year:
• Expanded outpatient services, which now include endocrinology, cardiology, internal medicine, pulmonology, OB GYN (including fertilization), maternal-fetal medicine and pain management consults. The services are available to patients on an everyday basis.
• Updated the Department of Neuroscience and Cognitive Rehabilitation to provide significant medical and technological support for patients suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis and post stroke.
• Purchased general chemistry, histology and microbiology laboratory equipment to provide accurate and timely test results to patients.
• Purchased two hyperbaric oxygen chambers to provide wound care.
• Made necessary investments and renovations throughout the hospital
• Created the most up-to-date electronic medical records system that makes the hospital entirely paperless.
Gregorio said in the last year, more than 250 board-certified primary and specialty physicians have joined Meadowlands Hospital and Medical Center.
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