Is Newman Regional Health considering a top-to-bottom strategic clinical relationship with another hospital? Yes, although nothing is finalized.
Is it considering strategic partnerships for different medical services? Yes.
And how soon could the hospital’s revised strategic plan be unveiled? Very soon.
The specific discussion about strategic connections has been taking place in increasingly public settings this spring and summer after Stormont-Vail Health’s plans for a possible surgical facility in Emporia went public in late October. Both Newman Regional Health and Stormont-Vail had mediated conversations earlier this year after Newman Regional Health proposed a series of zoning code text changes — and also as Stormont-Vail was finalizing a land purchase near Roads 180 and G just outside the Emporia city limits. On KVOE’s Morning Show this week, Executive Director of Strategy and Development Steven Bazan said any partnership with an external system will have to help area patients maintain or expand access to the care they need.
Stormont-Vail currently leases space at Newman Regional Health, but that arrangement is ending soon and the hospitals are working to determine how to collaborate on services. Here’s Newman Regional Chief Executive Officer Cathy Pimple:
While a lot of attention may be going to a possible partnership with an outside hospital system, Newman Regional Health administrators and Board of Trustees members continue their work on updates to the hospital’s strategic plan — a process that began in November with providers drafting an “aspirational” view for its Strategic Clinical Relationship, followed by analysis work on markets and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Stakeholder and employee meetings have also been held. Pimple and Bazan say the updated plan has six “imperatives,” including employment, facilities, growth, quality, relationships and technology infrastructure.
Board members a special executive-session meeting with legal counsel on strategic partnerships Thursday. The board’s next regular meeting is Wednesday.
