North Coast Healthcare Collaborative focuses on independent hospitals

NORWALK — The North Coast Healthcare Collaborative recently held a retreat for board members as well as senior and executive level leadership from each of the area hospitals to discuss a variety of topics focused on the importance of independent hospitals. The collaborative is comprised of Fisher-Titus (Norwalk), Firelands Health (Sandusky), The Bellevue Hospital (Bellevue), and Magruder Hospital (Port Clinton). Each facility is locally owned and operated and committed to keeping healthcare local for their communities. Brent Burkey, MD, president and CEO of Fisher-Titus commented on the importance of the retreat. "We like to come together on a regular basis to work on initiatives that will help us remain strong, independent healthcare facilities," he said. "This retreat allowed us all to discuss topics that will shape our strategic vision for the next five years so that we can continue to provide the right care, right here for our community. We discussed things such as telehealth, consumerism, and workforce strategies." Speakers and topics during the retreat included: • Kim Russel, CEO of Russel Advisors — People/Work Force Trends, Trends & What are the Responsibilities for the Communities We Serve?• Maulik Joshi, President and CEO for Meritus Health — Affordability & Value Based Healthcare in a Consumer Driven Market• Ryan Donahue, Senior Advisor & Solutions Expert, NRC Health — Healthcare Consumerism Nick Marsico, president & CEO of Magruder Hospital, said that the facilities can all learn from one another. "The recent board retreat for the NCHC is another example of how working together can benefit all of our independent hospitals," he said. "Our hospitals are facing similar challenges in today's healthcare environment, and we are at our best when working together. By educating, collaborating, and sharing our ideas, we stand a greater chance of long-term stability. Ultimately, our most important goal is for patients and communities in the 5-county region to benefit the most." President & CEO of Firelands Health Jeremy Normington-Slay discussed the importance of the facilities all collaborating. "We are stronger together. That is the simple truth," he said. "We value all four independent hospitals in our region and will work to enable each facility to deliver high quality and compassionate healthcare to the communities we serve." Timothy A Buit, president and chief executive officer of The Bellevue Hospital, commented on why the retreat was necessary. "It is important the boards from all four hospitals are educated on current topics and trends," said Timothy A Buit, president and chief executive officer of The Bellevue Hospital. "The goal is to keep our community hospitals strong and independent and by working together beginning at the board level we will be in a better place to achieve that." For more information on the facilities involved with the North Coast Healthcare Collaborative, please visit their respective websites.