The end of the year can be a time of reflection. You may think about your accomplishments or some of your favorite moments. You may reflect on how far you have come or your goals for the upcoming year.
This is also true for hospitals and health systems. A new year means taking stock of what’s been done — and what exciting things are around the corner.
To reflect on 2022 at Chester County Hospital, Chief Medical Officer, Karen L. Pinsky, MD, was asked to share the hospital’s top three developments. From the shift to electronic records to COVID-19 vaccination efforts and the recent unveiling of transfusionless heart surgery, Dr. Pinsky has been part of many changes and developments in her 25 years at CCH.
1. Bringing in New Technology
One of the key achievements from 2022 — and every year — for Chester County Hospital is a continued dedication to improving the technology offered and services provided.
"There's never a year, this year included, where we're not bringing new and better technology online. A new technology we implemented this year was head cooling for neonates who have suffered perinatal distress," said Dr. Pinsky. "We are always striving to have the most advanced technology to provide the best care — whether it's a new MRI machine that gives us higher-resolution images or a new CT scanner that slices thinner and works faster."
2. Expanding Behavioral Health Services
Another development for Chester County Hospital this year was a reinvigorated focus on behavioral health. In response to the closure of surrounding hospitals, Chester County Hospital has expanded mental health support to their patients.
"In 2022, Chester County Hospital developed a much more cohesive mental and behavioral health service line within our acute care hospital," said Dr. Pinsky.
Chester County Hospital hired a team of behavioral health clinicians, specifically nurse practitioners and licensed clinical social workers, to provide talk therapy and prescribe medications. This stronger behavioral health team has improved the way Chester County Hospital offers care to patients with behavioral health conditions and the options these patients have.
"Before, the only option for an individual with behavioral health needs may have been an inpatient psychiatric facility," explains Dr. Pinsky. "Now, we can intervene more appropriately, enabling some patients to be discharged safely with outpatient follow-up instead of an inpatient stay. That's a huge win for us."
3. Increasing Staff and Team Support
While many of the developments have focused on improving the patient experience, some efforts have focused on increasing support for the Chester County Hospital staff.
The past few years have been strenuous for anyone working in healthcare, and throughout the pandemic, many hospitals have paid extra attention to their medical, administrative, and support teams. Chester County Hospital is no different.
"We are constantly focused on how we can make the lives of our employees better and more satisfying," says Dr. Pinsky. "We are responding by ensuring our employees not only feel rewarded financially, but that they also have balance in their lives and resources to do their jobs well."
Want to join the Chester County Hospital team? Learn more about the Nurse Residency Program and how you can apply today.
Looking Ahead to 2023
While 2022 brought new achievements and developments for Chester County Hospital, we are always looking for new ways to improve our patients’ experience and the care we provide. Just like you may set a resolution for the new year, Chester County Hospital is looking forward to improving and growing.
In 2023, CCH will continue to incorporate new technology and will be opening the hospital's tenth state-of-the-art operating room. This will enable the expansion of surgical services — particularly orthopaedic and spine surgeries.
CCH is also committed to reinvesting in core services for the community — like the Ob/Gyn clinic in West Chester, which provides care to underserved women in the county. In response to generous support from the Chester County Hospital Foundation's Women's Auxiliary, the clinic will be relocating to a newer location with more parking and easier access.
"Without the Ob/Gyn clinic, many women would have limited access to high-quality services. This demonstrates that the focus at Chester County Hospital is not all about technology and growth," says Dr. Pinsky. "It is also about reinvesting in our mission and in our community."
Happy New Year from Chester County Hospital
These developments for 2022 and opportunities for 2023 are just the tip of the iceberg for Chester County Hospital. Through our medical, technological, and architectural advancements, we continue to redefine what is possible and what level of care we can provide to our community.
From our family to yours, we wish you a Happy New Year. We can't wait for all the possibilities it will bring.
We are constantly working to provide the best care to our community. Call our Physician Referral Service at 800-789-PENN (7366) or visit the Find a Doctor section of our website to schedule an appointment.