Recently the question was posed "What is Happening to Pen Bay Medical Center?" I can say without hesitation that great things are happening at PBMC.

We have a new employee-driven performance improvement program called Lean Daily Management. Utilizing Lean principles, employees are making positive changes to their work environment every day. Leadership from across the organization is rounding in hospital departments daily to support these efforts. I have the pleasure of speaking with many of our associates every day who are pleased that they have been empowered to affect change in their workplace. This program also improves the safety and quality of our care and the patient experience.

Later this summer we will be opening the Sussman House. The Sussman House is a great addition to services here at Pen Bay and the fulfillment of a long-term vision shared by many people. Through the generosity and support of our great community, the Sussman House will offer an unparalleled level of service to patients and families. Additionally the Sussman House, when fully operational, creates 13 new jobs for our community.

PBMC has recently received an A grade from The Leapfrog Group, which rates how well hospitals protect patients from accidents, errors, injuries and infections. The grade is a reflection of the great work from all of our associates, including clinicians, technicians and support staff. Quality is and will continue to be a focus for PBMC.

Are there changes at PBMC? Absolutely. There are a number of great changes taking place across the hospital and throughout Pen Bay Healthcare. I'd like to think that I am a part of these positive changes. I brought my wife and four children home to Maine at the end of October to be part of something special. I did not come for a short-term engagement. We want to be part of this community. We want to raise our children here. I want to help build on the great history of Pen Bay, taking it well into the future. The reality is that there are great pressures facing our industry nationwide and we must respond accordingly. It is going to take strong and resolute leadership. We have and will continue to make difficult decisions to ensure the long-term viability of our hospital and health system.

I understand the anxiety the community feels with such a rapid change cycle. The community is buzzing with information about the changes taking place. Unfortunately some of that information is inaccurate, incomplete or incorrect. I welcome anyone to contact me directly before believing everything you hear or read. My direct office line is 596-8211. My email is eafrederic@penbayhealthcare.org. And if you want to follow the great things that are happening at PBMC please follow me on Twitter @PenBayCOO.

Respectfully,

Erik Frederick
Chief Operating Officer
Pen Bay Healthcare System