Our past year was one of great success. We experienced comparatively strong operating margins and great growth strides with physician recruitment, development of new services and expanded access to care. To provide great health care takes preparation and planning. It involves continually looking years ahead to those services and equipment that will best provide for the needs of the patients we so proudly serve. It’s not only fi nancial planning, but retaining and acquiring top-notch colleagues (employees) to provide superior care.

 

The top issue facing Pennock in 2009 is ensuring the ability to operate in a way that procures a financial return while allowing us to invest in technology, people and facilities to deliver high quality healthcare services to the residents of Barry County. The Hospital continues to be challenged by declining reimbursement, a growing uninsured and/or underinsured population, unemployment, skyrocketing supply and technology costs and limited access to capital funds. With that bleak picture painted, I remain optimistic regarding the future of Pennock and our vision to become the finest community hospital in Michigan. It is our physician partners and committed colleagues who ensure not just our survival, but also our ability to thrive in these difficult times. Together, we are creating an organization of exceptional standards.

 

As the population and life expectancy grow, we will see an increased need for healthcare, as well as eldercare services. Health care remains one of the most stable industries in the nation and it is considered an “economic engine” that is driving our future. The political scene, albeit uncertain, may create great opportunity to stimulate health care and our local economy. It is with sincere appreciation that we acknowledge our community for embracing our mission, as well as for all of its fi nancial support. This support, combined with our pledge to be good stewards of the community, allows me to see, today, a brighter tomorrow for all of us.

 

“He Who Has Health, Has Hope; And He Who Has Hope, Has Everything.”
Arabian Proverb

Sheryl Lewis Blake, FACHE
Chief Executive Officer