A series of staff meetings will launch a rigorous strategic planning process meant to ensure Harrison Hospital’s future as the premier regional medical center on the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas and Bainbridge Island.
‘Vision 2010’ sets goals for the next 12 months, within the framework of a five-year plan. The goals are designed to expand services and access to them, heighten standards of clinical excellence, accelerate physician and employee collaboration, update technology, and achieve financial stability. They all reflect the hospital’s newly stated mission: We make a positive difference in people’s lives through exceptional medical care.
“The community has told us we have a ‘very good’ hospital and health-services system in all three locations, and we are committed to being even better,” explained Ron Muhleman, board chairman. “Our employees, board, physicians and volunteers are determined to make Harrison a ‘great’ hospital, one that is the preferred destination for top-quality medical care, convenient and close to home.”
“The result of this planning process,” said CEO Scott Bosch, “will define Harrison Hospital for the next generation.” Its successful implementation over the next five years “will require a team effort by all Harrison employees and medical staff, as well as support from our board of directors and the community.”
Nine topic areas have been earmarked for further study and improvement: market position, expanded services, customer service, clinical excellence, physician and hospital alignment, employee engagement, financial performance, information systems, plus location and function of facilities.
Milestones have been identified to measure progress in those areas over the next 12 months. Progress reports will be reviewed quarterly by hospital administration and the board. Some of the “transitional” milestones cover:
- Improving scores in industry rankings that measure clinical quality and employee engagement;
- Soliciting and considering more physician input in major hospital policy decisions;
- Achieving a positive operating margin.
The Harrison visionaries plan to adopt a concentric-circle model of healthcare delivery, with a single, centralized major acute care facility at the center. Departmental teams will collaborate on plans to achieve Vision 2010, with roadmaps addressing major issues:
- Location of services and campuses;
- Purchase of technology;
- Physician and staff recruitment;
- Securing commitments for $10 million in philanthropic support; and
- Achievement of a 5 percent or better operating margin; in order to
- Identify sources for $100 million to fund future technology and facilities.
