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PUTNAM --- John P. Miller, chairman of the board of directors, told those attending the recent Day Kimball Healthcare annual meeting that fiscal year 2009 proved to be a success for Day Kimball Healthcare, reaching a net operating gain of nearly $1.3 million as opposed to the financial challenges of fiscal year 2008.
“The spirit of Day Kimball is alive and well,” Miller began, as he addressed the more than 200 meeting attendees. Mr. Miller described several of the actions that embodied this spirit. Through the hard work and dedication of all Day Kimball employees, the organization saw a significant financial increase under the leadership of president and CEO, Robert E. Smanik. Day Kimball’s community partnerships have strengthened and continue to be beneficial as part of an overall commitment to better health for Northeast Connecticut. The organization’s cardiac partnership with UMass Memorial Medical Center received significant media attention and continues to foster treatment for heart attack victims two times faster than the national average. With the presence of the H1N1 virus in our communities, Day Kimball continues to work closely with the Northeast District Department of Health and the state Department of Public Health to ensure the protection of healthcare employees and community members.
Enhancing communications with the addition of Charlene Leith-Bushey, director of corporate communications, and an entirely new website, serves to educate the community of Day Kimball’s importance as a fully integrated healthcare delivery system. The new website features the ability to find a physician, donate and pay bills online and keep up with the latest news and events happening at Day Kimball Healthcare. DayKimball.org has increased the organization’s community outreach and educational opportunities by providing necessary information and tools for staying connected to Day Kimball Healthcare.
Other accomplishments for 2009 included the establishment of a new Wound Care Clinic operated by specialists who treat patients having chronic wounds with difficulty healing. Since the opening, the number of patients receiving this service has tripled. The Geriatric Care Management Program (formerly known as the Center for Healthy Aging), was redesigned into a stronger patient-centered care plan in coordination with physicians and family members. Alongside this program is the Diabetes Education Program which helps those living with diabetes by educating patients and recommending lifestyle changes to live healthy with diabetes. The Sleep Disorder Center at Day Kimball Hospital is the only American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) accredited sleep center in Northeast Connecticut. The center recently expanded to four sleep suites with a newly renovated facility that offers home-like amenities.
Several Day Kimball Healthcare services showed increased in the number of patients in 2009. This includes the number of laboratory tests, visits to the emergency department and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation visits. Day Kimball HomeCare served nearly 63,000 town residents. Day Kimball HomeMakers served more than 400 clients, totaling 82,000 hours. Volunteers at Day Kimball donated over 31,000 hours in various departments throughout the organization. All of these accomplishments could not have happened without the team efforts of the organizations 1,000+ exemplary employees. One such employee, Dennis Gagnon, microbiology supervisor, was named Day Kimball Hospital’s employee of the year at the annual meeting.
New corporators inducted at the 2009 annual meeting were: Dr. & Mrs. Saul J. Ahola of Woodstock, Mrs. Charlene L. Leith-Bushey of North Grosvenordale, Drs. Arabinda & Nita Chatterjee of Woodstock, Mr. Louis Leveillee of Dayville, Dr. & Mrs. Anthony of Pomfret, Mr. Daniel Marcotte of Pascoag, RI, Dr. Toni Thomas Moumouris of Brooklyn, Mrs. Barbara Chubbuck of Pomfret Center, Mr. Donald Nagel of Sterling, Ms. Nancy Contillo of N. Providence, RI, Ms. Pamela Watts of Harrisville, RI, Mrs. Kathleen M. Demers of Willington, Mrs. Nancy Zamagni of Putnam, Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Disco of Plainfield, Rep. Mae Flexer of Danielson and Dr. Michael Golioto of Cheshire. Reelected board members were Rochelle Alix and David Conrad, while Jay Sinha, who has served three full terms on the board in the past, was voted back on the Board of Directors. The slate of Board Officers was approved as follows: Chairman, John P. Miller, Vice Chairman, Richard Loomis, Secretary, John Graham, MD, Treasurer, Rochelle Alix, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer, Dr. Michael Baum. As Day Kimball welcomed back its new board member, Jay Sinha, a heartfelt goodbye was said to Betti Kuszaj, 9-year Day Kimball board member. Mrs. Kuszaj’s support and influence was significant on the Board of Directors and on the organization’s enhanced communications efforts.