Hospital Highlights - Nov. 26, 2009

Today I was reading the “Musings” sent weekly by Leo Greenawalt, President of the Washington State Hospital Association. In this edition, Leo states that a CEO has two critical roles to play: Overall, the CEO must set the pace in maintaining the vision of the organization. Just as important, the CEO ought to spend a considerable amount of time on strategy – which makes perfect sense to me.

But, Leo noted, here comes the “rub.” He cannot recall anytime in his career where so many “emergencies” have interrupted his plans for a week or a month. I must note here that Leo is a skillful leader and in great demand for his expertise around the state, perhaps as much for his listening ability. There are many things going on in your lives and in ours at WHMC as well.

We have a state and federal budget crisis; health care reform (controversial and complex to say the least); improvements in patient safety; reducing infections; a new hospital; an expanding Whitman Medical Group; a three hospital surgical practices to oversee, and so on.

As I look toward retirement at the end of the year, more and more I think it is the quiet time necessary to engage in meaningful strategic thinking that most suffers. Even when, as Leo notes, I set aside time of my own, I find my mind racing to current activities – mostly organizational, as well as our vision, our goals, and the strategic planning to carry them through. Very important time spent if we are to move WHMC in the right direction at the right time and to benefit you—our patients.

David Womack, your incoming CEO, will face all of the above. In the time I have it is my hope that I can help him with a “jump start.” He will have an excellent leadership team to help him go forward into the future.

Above all, I have a great fondness for our great staff and you, the patients we serve. I believe WHMC can and will become the safest and most compassionate hospital in the state of Washington.

Jon Davis,

administrator

Whitman Hospital and Medical Center