Copley Hospital held its annual meeting of directors, trustees and corporators on Jan. 9.
Guest speaker Jeffrey Tieman, Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems’ president and CEO, shared information on how Vermont’s all-payer model will work, and described the effects it will have on healthcare providers and hospitals, as well as implications for patients.
During his presentation Tieman touched on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the potential fallout should President-elect Donald Trump repeal it. The ACA has helped provide healthcare coverage for at least 20,000 Vermonters, and more than 20 million people nationwide.
Copley President Art Mathisen summed up his first six months as CEO as focusing on the Accountable Care Organization and all-payer model, staffing, budget, and surgical center construction.
“Like most community hospitals, Copley operates on very thin margins, and we need finer details on how this model (all-payer) will work before we commit to taking on additional risk,” Mathisen said.
Trustees Walter Frame, David Silverman and Jamey Ventura were elected to their second three-year terms, and Elaine Nichols and Nancy Putnam were elected to their third three-year terms. Hyde Park resident Mary Paul Loomis was elected to serve a one-year term as the governance committee member-at-large.
The fiscal 2017 budget was approved by the board. Construction for the new surgical center was reported to be on track and on budget, and two new infusion suites will be added in outpatient services after the surgical center is complete.
Emergency department physician and Medical Staff President Dr. Joseph Subasic reported on the impact of healthcare reform as it applies to shifting the physicians’ focus from individual health to population health. Copley’s medical staff continues to collaborate with local providers including Lamoille Home Health and Hospice and facilities like The Manor in an effort to improve transitions in care, and prevent hospital readmissions and avoidable hospital visits. Starting later this month a member of Community Health Services of Lamoille Valley’s community health team will be part of the hospital’s emergency department care team, helping patients receive timely referrals to needed social services.
Corporate members help maintain Copley’s commitment to transparency, accountability and community governance, and are responsible for electing trustees and maintaining bylaws. The following were elected and welcomed to their first three-year term as corporate members:
• Bob Bleimeister of Stowe brings extensive experience in designing human resources transformation programs. He also teaches at Norwich University’s School of Business.
• Tricia Follert of Wolcott is Morrisville’s community development director.
• Edward B. French of Stowe and Hyde Park, is an attorney at Stackpole & French Law Offices.
• Lisa Hagerty of Stowe serves on the Stowe Select Board and is the owner of Rosebud Properties. She is the founder of Well Heeled.
• Ira Marvin of Hyde Park is the farm and facility manager at Butternut Mountain Farm. He serves on the board of the Vermont Natural Resources Council.
• Meredith Scott of Morrisville is program director for Children’s Literacy Foundation in Waterbury Center.
• Todd Thomas (Morrisville) serves as the Director of Planning for the Town of Morristown.
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