CEO Notes

John Murphy, MD, President and CEO,
Western Connecticut Health Network

Update: Western Connecticut Health Network and Norwalk Hospital – Planning the Transition

We are on our way.

We have begun to plan how Western Connecticut Health Network and Norwalk Hospital will create a new picture of health for our communities through their affiliation.

Anticipating regulatory approval, we look to a start date this fall. Our newly integrated organization will create a stronger network of health care for people in our communities.

Leading the transition planning are some 22 integration teams focusing on specific issues of care, quality, service, operations, IT, HR, marketing, etc. Each team includes staff from the two organizations; overseeing all teams is a steering committee of leaders from WCHN and Norwalk. Over the next several months, these teams will diligently explore the opportunities the integration offers. Each will bring specific recommendations of steps to take after the affiliation becomes final. Until that date, however, only recommendations will be made; the actual work the teams recommend will be prioritized and get underway once the new organization begins.

We are excited by this step in the transition. After months of focusing on the potential the affiliation can bring, we look forward to studying the specific implementation plans with enthusiasm. And we are confident a strong, creative and forward-thinking network will emerge.

Patient care is the central focus of our planning. Three integration teams will initially study the best ways to collaborate for:

• Cardiovascular Services
• Cancer Services
• Pediatric Services

Other integration teams will explore integration opportunities in:

• Laboratory and Pathology Services
• Our Physician Organization
• Primary Care Physician Distribution
• Medical Education
• PHO
• Care Coordination

After the new organization begins, other services lines will be reviewed.

Teams have already begun their work to explore the issues, leading up to presenting their recommendations to the Steering Committee this summer. During the integration planning, teams are subject to strict disclosure rules. We will not release interim recommendations since we do not want to jump the gun prior to the Steering Committee signing off on them. Once the Steering Committee finalizes the plans for the new organization, we will communicate the results to ensure you receive complete information with multiple opportunities to ask questions and offer commentary.

This is a defining moment for our organization. We embrace the opportunity to carve a bright future of service to our communities, care for our patients and opportunity for our physicians. We are committed to a great place for doctors to practice, an environment that, every day, reminds us why we chose this work. Through this affiliation we will bring our commitment to compassionate care to more people in more communities as we work with Norwalk Hospital to create a new picture of health.

Please feel free, at any time, to contact Matt or me with your comments or questions. We welcome feedback and we always learn from your suggestions.

Many thanks,

John