2011 Annual Report - Summa Health System

and future state of the organization’s
first point of contact for many
individuals – Summa Health System’s
emergency departments, outpatient
centers, urgent care centers and clinics.
If healthcare reform remains intact, in
2014 healthcare systems can expect
an influx of newly insured patients
who likely first will seek care at the
nearest healthcare facility in their
community. Summa Health System
recognized several of its hospitals’
emergency departments had to be
expanded and/or renovated to meet
this anticipated need.
This tremendous volume impacts
three critical factors of the healthcare
equation: quality of care, patient
satisfaction and cost. Further,
providing optimal care for these
individuals requires more than
physical space (beds, examination
rooms, waiting areas, etc.). It also
requires new, more effective and
efficient treatment protocols, the
most advanced medical equipment
available and trained, experienced,
compassionate, caring healthcare
professionals – the latter is a
hallmark characteristic of
Summa Health System’s culture.
Summa Health System judiciously
evaluated both the healthcare
environment and the needs of the
populations it serves to ensure
individuals receive
the highest quality
care that is easily
accessible and
convenient. The
results of these
evaluations, in conjunction with
the anticipated changes in healthcare
reform, lead the organization to
determine where and when to build,
expand and renovate in order to best
meet the current and future needs of
the communities as well as those of
the organization.
Accessibility, coupled with great
care, helps ensure Summa Health
System provides the right care at
the right time at the right place for
each patient. This, in turn, increases
patient satisfaction. Satisfied patients
do more than reflect upon the
reputation of
an organization
– it can impact
their health.
They are more
likely to comply
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