Published by: Shawn Gremminger on 9/3/2010 10:36:38 AM
Earlier this week, Kristin LaRoche and I had the opportunity to visit one of NAPH’s most well known members, Grady Health System in Atlanta.
Grady is a quintessential example of an urban safety net hospital – a large downtown Hospital complex, a strong teaching mission, large utilization by uninsured patients and patients covered by Medicaid and the only Level 1 trauma center in the metropolitan area. Several years ago, Grady made national news due to critical financial difficulties. Under new leadership, led by CEO Michael Young, the hospital has made an impressive financial turnaround – last year operating with a positive margin. Kristin and I met with the executive team and several other staff, touring the very busy ER, outpatient facilities and a brand new, state-of-the-art Stroke Center.
To tout the critical role of the revitalized hospital in the community, Grady’s public affairs team launched a campaign called “Atlanta Can’t Live Without Grady.” With the worst of the financial troubles behind them, Grady’s executive team is now focused on preparing their hospital for the myriad of changes expected to come from the health care reform law.
Kristin and I would like to thank the folks at Grady for their hospitality.