Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC)

In 2017 Bradford Regional Medical Center had over 2,900 admissions and over 140,000 outpatient visitors. Bradford Regional Medical Center offers patients and their families a full range of diagnostic and Medical services, as well as many specialty services. A wide array of multi-specialty physicians and clinicians offer services ranging from cancer, cardiac and vascular care, ob/gyn, general surgery, urology, women's health, internal medicine, pediatrics, sleep medicine, psychiatric care, pulmonary medicine, and comprehensive counseling for alcohol and chemical dependency.highlighted below are some of the initiatives that were realized in 2017 at brmc:primary care - Bradford Regional Medical Center (brmc) continues to focus on providing adequate primary care resources and recruited several physicians and physician's assistants during 2017.spine care - brmc took a big step toard creation of a comprehensive spine Center with the hiring of a pain management specialist and a spine surgeon. These services will allow high-end services to remain in the community.meals on wheels - brmc took over this local program to ensure it continues in the Bradford community. The program services over 100 residents daily.quality mattersmost wired - in 2017, Bradford Regional Medical Center was named to the nation's list of most wired hospitals and health systems by the american Hospital association's health care forum. The recognition was the result of the 19th annual health care's most wired survey, which is an industry-standard benchmark study examining how organizations leverage information technology to improve performance for value-based healthcare in quality and safety, and clinical integration. Brmc is one of only two hospitals in northwestern Pennsylvania to be named a most wired hospital.safety champions - communicating patient safety information is an important responsibility. That's why more than 40 brmc employees receive special training and are designated safety champions. Having a designated safety champion in every department and patient care unit demonstrates the Hospital's commitment to patient safety and provides a network of front-line safety experts for the Hospital. Our safety champions work as nurses, technicians, housekeepers, building services staff and office personnel. They advocate for patient safety, conduct patient safety rounds, assist with process improvement implementation and share their success stories with other Hospital staff.blue distinction for maternity care - in 2017, highmark blue cross blue shield announced that brmc was designated for the second year to receive the blue distinction Center+ for maternity care designation. Hospitals that receive a blue distinction Center+ for maternity care designation agree to meet requirements that align with principles that support evidence-based practices of care, as well as to initiate programs to promote successful breastfeeding. The program also evaluates hospitals on overall patient satisfaction, including a willingness of patients to recommend the Hospital to others. To receive a blue distinction Center+ for maternity care designation, a Hospital must also meet requirements for appropriate cost efficiency. Antibiotic stewardship - studies have shown that up to 50% of all antibiotics prescribed are unnecessary and inappropriate. Overuse of antibiotics can cause a wide variety of unintended problems including potentially life-threatening infections. Brmc has implemented an antimicrobial stewardship program, which allows pharmacists, doctors, nurses, laboratory staff, and other members of the health care team to work cooperatively to ensure optimal antibiotic use for patients with infections and to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. The program has succeeded in reducing overall antibiotic use at brmc while improving patient outcomes.hap achievement award - Bradford Regional Medical Center received the 2017 community champions award from the Hospital and healthsystem association of Pennsylvania for its outstanding efforts to improve healthcare in the state. Brmc, the only Hospital in northwestern Pennsylvania to be recognized, was chosen for its sexual assault nurse examiner (sane) program. In conjunction with community partners, brmc provides a safe environment of care for victims of sexual assault.the initiatives and accomplishments noted above are just a sample of work and effort undertaken in 2017 to enhance patient care, quality and safety. We are extremely proud of the work of our employees and physicians to assure that each and every one of our patients receives the very best care.2017 financial performance- brmc had an operating loss of ($5.6m) in 2017 compared to a loss of ($433) in 2016k. Several factors accounted for the negative trend including:a) no large unrestricted donors ($2m in 2016) in 2017 versus prior year.b) drop in cafeteria sales due to renovations ($300k).c) market value loss on investments ($1.5m). - in 2016 brmc's board of directors voted to become part of the kaleida health system, a buffalo, new york-based health system. This decision was based on a five year long-term financial plan that was developed for brmc and its sister Hospital under brmc's parent company - upper allegheny health system (uahs), which demonstrated a future inability to remain financially viable given the downward pressures on revenue in the health care industry as well as rising costs to provide care. Brmc is not unique in this vulnerable position. Hospitals across america, especially rural hospitals, face a daunting challenge of survival. Significant time was spent analyzing brmc's and uahs' finances and evaluating kaleida health as a partner. A decision to affiliate was made in the fall of 2016 and was completed on july 3, 2017. Financial improvement of over $10m annually at uahs is expected under the affiliation plan upon full implementation.