About Weeks Medical Center

Weeks Medical Center 2008 Annual Report

2008 certainly finished with an unprecedented economic environment that has had its effect throughout the country and here in the North Country as well. It is comforting to know that Weeks Medical Center finished the year with the largest patient service revenue in our history. Our bottom line has grown from a deficit of almost $400,000 in 2007 to a positive income of almost $800,000. Our operating expenses increased at only 1.6% over 2007. Our sound fiscal policies and, most importantly, our tremendous staff deserve the credit for our current financial position.

At the close of 2008, we have embarked on a new program to increase our brand and presence within the communities we serve. A new Weeks Medical Center logo was launched and the coming months will see a new web site, more advertising, and better service communications, along with community outreach that will reinforce the unique services and qualities of Weeks Medical Center.

Our participation in the newly launched New England Alliance for Health is up and running. This will allow Weeks to join with previous members of the Dartmouth Hitchcock Alliance in a new endeavor to collaborate on shared operational needs, while continuing the excellent medical partnerships that already exist.

We’ve also embarked on a new and innovative collaboration with the Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin and the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook. Through two significant grants, we will be studying how to best deliver healthcare services in Coös County. By working together, we will be better able to serve the needs of our communities. This study will be completed by early 2009.

2008 has also seen many new faces throughout the hospital as we welcomed new physicians, nurses, physician’s assistants and support personnel. This now allows many patients with health issues to beseen the same day.

We continue to build on our technology initiatives in order to bring the most advanced care possible to our patients, providing them with a level of service not usually found in our area. A new mobile PET Scan service will be starting shortly, greatly adding to our diagnostic services. This will be the only PET scanner in the North Country.

Weeks Medical Center is truly fortunate to have such a committed staff and significant group of volunteers that provide such an excellent level of care for our patients and their families. What I see every day is a group of caring and committed people coming together as a team to provide the best care available. Weeks Medical Center is well positioned for growth in the coming years, and we all appreciate your trust and generous support.

Sincerely,

Scott Howe
Chief Executive Officer

(On the annual report cover: Busi Memorial Chapel, was provided through a generous bequest by Miss Angelina Busi, a longtime resident of Lancaster whose family owned the original Lancaster Fruit Store.The stained glass, Seasons, was created by Dawn.)