Annual Report

On behalf of South County Health’s Administration, the Board of Trustees, and the Medical Staff, we are pleased to present our Annual Report for the Fiscal Year ending September 30th, 2023. We are excited once again to present a digital annual report and share more about what makes South County Health, Rhode Island’s Most Trusted Health Partner.

In the ever-changing landscape of Rhode Island healthcare, where financial viability and sustainability remain elusive, the quiet champions of nonprofit health systems stand as beacons of community service. Small nonprofit health systems wield profound influence, not merely through their provision of medical services, but through their formidable advocacy efforts. Nowhere is this more evident than right here in Rhode Island, where South County Health has emerged as a driving force behind legislation aimed at enhancing access to primary and specialty care providers for all Rhode Island residents, while leveling the competitive playing field that will allow Rhode Island to routinely recruit the breadth and caliber of medical professionals available in neighboring states.

At South County Health, we believe the Senate Healthcare Bill 2722 and House Bill 8072, serve to stabilize the entire RI healthcare delivery system, including hospitals, primary care, specialty physicians, and advanced practice providers. The Bill also represents a critical financial step in sustaining healthcare for all Rhode Islanders, addressing the needs of our community, ensuring patients have adequate access to primary care and specialty providers, and improving health equity. By rallying together in support of this legislation, we can create positive change that benefits health systems, healthcare workers, and patients, alike.

While South County Health’s primary mission remains the provision of healthcare services, as Rhode Island's Most Trusted Health Partner, there is also recognition that responsibility extends beyond the exam room. Health disparities are often rooted in systemic barriers, necessitating proactive engagement with policymakers to effect lasting change. In Rhode Island, this has propelled South County Health to the forefront of legislative discourse.

At its core, this endeavor embodies the spirit of community stewardship that defines South County Health. By championing change that prioritizes the well-being of all residents, communities serve as catalysts for positive change.

This critical legislation will help:

• Ensure adequate access for all Rhode Islanders to primary care and specialty physicians, and advanced practice providers.
• Improve the sustainability and quality of Rhode Island’s hospitals.
• Improve health equity throughout Rhode Island’s entire healthcare delivery system.

One key aspect of the Bills is its focus on healthcare workers. Under the proposed legislation, physicians, advanced practice providers and hospitals will have the opportunity to achieve equitable reimbursement to their peers in Connecticut and Massachusetts. This not only ensures that our healthcare professionals are fairly compensated for their essential work, but also strengthens the healthcare workforce, ultimately benefiting patient care.

We know that as a supporter of South County Health, you share an understanding of the critical nature of healthcare access. That's why we are asking you to reach out to your elected officials in support of Senate Bill 2722 and House Bill 8072. In supporting this legislation, a more equitable and sustainable healthcare environment that benefits all members of the Rhode Island community will be possible.

For more information on the bill or to download a letter of support to send to your legislators, please visit SouthCountyHealth.org/Support.

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Aaron Robinson
President and CEO

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Joseph F. Matthews
Chairman | Board of Trustees

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Robert Bierwirth, M.D.
President of the Medical Staff

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• View The Data On Rate Parity

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South County Hospital is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care in a setting mindful of your safety and privacy. We are always scrutinizing the quality of the care we provide by participating in patient care initiatives, evaluating outcomes and processes, reviewing performance data and monitoring patient satisfaction both through independent third-party assessment and internal review by our Quality Improvement Team.

In 2023, South County Hospital received 5-Stars for Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). South County Hospital was one of only two in the state to receive the top rating.

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• Awards & Accreditations

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At South County Health, we are stewards of your health. We want you to maintain or achieve optimal health so together, we can create a healthier, more vibrant community. Our community benefit initiatives and collective health improvement efforts with diverse partner organizations, are one way that we demonstrate our commitment to the health of the South County community.

Last year South County Health developed a three-year Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) to guide community benefit and population health improvement activities across South County. The CHIP builds upon previous health improvement activities, while recognizing new health needs identified in the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), a changing healthcare environment, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Goals, objectives, and strategies from the three-year CHIP are outlined below. In developing the CHIP, South County Health sought to focus on upstream interventions to address social determinants of health barriers and advance health equity for our communities.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

GOAL: Strengthen and support community initiatives that increase awareness of behavioral health, improve access to treatment, and promote wellness, recovery, and resilience.

• Reduce behavioral health stigma and fear of seeking treatment.
• Improve access to high quality behavioral health services and supports along a full continuum of care.
• Reinforce behavioral health as a chronic condition.

CHRONIC DISEASE

GOAL: Achieve equitable life expectancy and quality of life for all people by ensuring all residents have the resources they need to maintain their health.

• Promote healthy living for residents through all stages of life, with a focus on addressing social determinants of health barriers.

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