(West Chester, PA, August 2, 2012) The Chester County Hospital and Health System Board of Directors announced today that it voted unanimously to form a Committee to research strategic corporate partnerships and philanthropic options for the West Chester based system. The Health System includes The Chester County Hospital, a 220-bed* acute care hospital, and several subsidiaries.
William W. Wylie, Jr., Chairman of the Health System's Board of Directors, stated, "Our Health System is proud of its 120-year tradition of providing the highest quality care to its community and always acting with the community's best interest in mind. We begin from a position of strength, but the landscape is changing rapidly and we believe that health care institutions face increased risk in this new health care environment. It is our duty, as a Board, to be proactive in assessing the future of health care and the needs of our institution."
Founded in 1892, The Chester County Hospital is one of the few remaining independent hospitals in the Philadelphia region.
"We are uniquely positioned in one of the best markets in the Philadelphia region and we boast a strong reputation, excellent clinical services, and a loyal Medical Staff," commented Michael J. Duncan, President and CEO of the Health System. "It is clear that health care will continue to be capital intensive as our community grows and the trend of delivering care closer to home accelerates."
Wylie continued, "We will begin the process of identifying opportunities consistent with our commitment to the community, our culture and history, which will allow us to continue to invest in new programs, services and facilities to fulfill our Mission."
The Health System has engaged Cain Brothers, a consulting firm focusing exclusively on the health care industry, to assist them in the process.
* Statistic update: In July 2013, upon the opening of the fourth floor of the Tower, the Hospital's bed count increased from 220 beds to 245 beds.