Annual Report

Fiscal Year 2024

Unwavering Commitment

Dedication Statement

At South County Health, our unwavering commitment to exceptional patient care is made possible by the dedication, compassion, and expertise of our…

At South County Health, our unwavering commitment to exceptional patient care is made possible by the dedication, compassion, and expertise of our entire healthcare family. This year, we dedicate our annual report to the physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, clinicians, staff, and volunteers who go above and beyond every day to ensure the health and well-being of our community.

Their tireless efforts, resilience, and compassion in the face of unwarranted scrutiny have continued to strengthen our mission—to provide trusted, high-quality care close to home. From the frontline caregivers to the teams working behind the scenes, each individual plays a vital role in delivering the level of patient care and experience that our patients and families deserve.

We also express our deep gratitude to our patients, donors, supporters, and community partners. Your trust and collaboration inspire us to innovate, grow, and continuously meet the evolving needs of those we serve.

As we reflect on this past year’s achievements, challenges, and progress, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing healthcare, enhancing access, and ensuring a healthier future for all. Together, we will continue to shape a stronger, more connected South County Health.

Navigating Healthcare Together

Message to the Community

Welcome to our Annual Report for the Fiscal Year ending September 30th, 2024, representing the collaborative efforts of South County Health, its…

Welcome to our Annual Report for the Fiscal Year ending September 30th, 2024, representing the collaborative efforts of South County Health, its esteemed Board of Trustees, and dedicated Medical Staff. Through this digital platform, we invite you to explore the progress of the past year and rediscover what sets South County Health apart.

At South County Health, our mission is clear: to be Rhode Island’s Most Trusted Health Partner, delivering the highest quality, accessible, and sustainable healthcare to our community.

We are deeply committed to the health and well-being of our community. Our focus remains on expanding access, driving medical innovation, and delivering exceptional experiences to our patients through personalized, high-quality, and safe care—all close to home.

Health systems across Rhode Island and the U.S. are facing significant challenges, particularly in recruitment and retention, which are causing access issues across the entire healthcare system. However, South County Health has made significant strides in growing our medical staff by 35% since 2020. With new recruits in primary care and women’s health, we now employ more full-time equivalent physicians and advanced practice providers, such as NPs, PAs, and CNMs, than we did in 2019. Despite this progress, challenges remain, particularly in Rhode Island, where reimbursement rates are 20-30% lower than those in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and a third of our providers are approaching retirement age.

Despite these industry-wide challenges, South County Health has successfully navigated financial and industry challenges while maintaining its commitment to patient-centered care. Our management team, doctors and providers, nurses, support staff, and volunteers have consistently delivered nationally recognized results in quality, safety, and patient experience. At the same time, management has achieved key financial objectives set by the Board of Trustees to ensure operational sustainability. This has required us to implement productivity improvements to reduce operating costs, and while necessary, these adjustments have not been easy for anyone involved.

Over the past nine months, South County Health’s Administration and Board of Trustees have taken exhaustive efforts to engage a small group of disgruntled individuals who have formed a non-profit organization invoking our name, “South County Hospital.” Unfortunately, their actions, both before and after the creation of this organization, have caused confusion, concern, and anxiety in our community. Their efforts have specifically targeted disrupting our critical relationships with donors—efforts that have been aided by a former employee of South County Health (SCH) who violated their fiduciary duty to protect confidential donor information, placing millions of dollars in philanthropic support at risk.

Despite our attempts to resolve disagreements amicably, they have chosen to take a non-constructive way forward. By targeting donor contributions, they risk undermining the very care and quality they claim to protect.

Therefore, our fiduciary duty compelled us to take legal action to safeguard donor confidentiality and ensure that philanthropic contributions continue to support critical hospital services and patient care. Taking legal action was not our first choice, and we pursued every reasonable alternative before taking legal action. However, to protect the organization from further harm, it was our fiduciary responsibility to protect South County Health and our donors from misuse of confidential information.

We recognize that change can bring questions, and we remain dedicated to transparency and communication. As part of our ongoing efforts, we have streamlined and enhanced several key service lines to meet the growing needs of our community. Our focus has been on expanding access to essential services, maintaining excellence in patient outcomes, and aligning with industry best practices.

We understand that navigating healthcare can be complex, and we are committed to keeping you informed and engaged. Our new engagement initiatives, including a dedicated landing page, allow our community and staff to access clear, factual information about service updates, consolidations, and industry challenges. We also prioritize open dialogue through forums, direct communications, and a renewed focus on patient-centered care.

As we look ahead, South County Health will continue to evolve, grow, and adapt to meet the needs of those we serve. Thank you for your trust and partnership in building a healthier future for our community.

Aaron Robinson
President and CEO

Joseph F. Matthews
Chairman | Board of Trustees

Peter Graves, M.D.
President of the Medical Staff

Rhode Island’s Most Trusted Health Partner

About South County Health

What began as a cottage hospital on Kenyon Avenue in 1919 has evolved into a technologically advanced healthcare system whose innovations and…

What began as a cottage hospital on Kenyon Avenue in 1919 has evolved into a technologically advanced healthcare system whose innovations and expertise has enabled South County Health to gain regional and national recognition for excellence in patient care and positive outcomes.

A leader in medical quality, service, and innovation, South County Health provides care to patients across Rhode Island in acute and outpatient settings including at Medical and Wellness Centers in Westerly, East Greenwich, and Warwick, as well as Primary Care and Specialty provider offices in Narragansett, Newport, and Wakefield. South County Health is comprised of three healthcare entities: South County Hospital, South County Home Health, and South County Medical Group.

A 5-Star hospital for Overall Quality, South County Hospital is a global leader in robotic-assisted surgeries and is home to more robotic-assisted options than any other hospital in the state.

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Committed to Quality

Awards & Recognitions

At South County Health, our mission is clear: to be Rhode Island’s Most Trusted Health Partner, delivering the highest quality, accessible, and…

At South County Health, our mission is clear: to be Rhode Island’s Most Trusted Health Partner, delivering the highest quality, accessible, and sustainable healthcare to our community.

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 2024, South County Health continued to earn national recognition for quality and patient experience, including:

CMS five-star hospital rating, one of only two in Rhode Island
Leapfrog 'A' grade for patient safety

The highest patient experience ratings in the state – 79% of patients at South County Hospital have provided a rating of 9 or 10, with national averages at 72% and state averages at 69%.

These achievements are a direct reflection of the extraordinary dedication, expertise, and compassion of our staff. Every day, our nurses, physicians, and support teams go above and beyond to provide outstanding care, ensuring that our patients receive a safe, high-quality experience.

Expert Guidance for Parents & Caregivers

Advancing Healthcare

South County Health is committed to supporting growing families with expert guidance and compassionate care. Through a series of free educational…

South County Health is committed to supporting growing families with expert guidance and compassionate care. Through a series of free educational programs, we empower parents with the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate pregnancy, childbirth, and the early days of parenthood.

Our Breastfeeding Success class provides essential tips and techniques to help parents establish and maintain successful breastfeeding. Led by lactation experts, this session covers proper latch, feeding positions, and common challenges, ensuring families feel supported from the start.

Preparing for Birth is a comprehensive class that walks expectant parents through labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. With insights from experienced healthcare professionals, attendees learn about pain management options, the role of a birth partner, and what to expect in the hospital.

New parents can also find a welcoming community in our New Parent Support Group. This group provides a space to connect with other families, ask questions, and receive guidance from healthcare professionals on feeding, sleep, and newborn care.

At South County Health, we believe that informed parents are empowered parents. These free offerings are just one way we’re here to support families every step of the way.

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Expressions of Gratitude

Community Healthcare

Every year, thousands of patients pass through our doors with stories of struggle, strength, hope, and perseverance. Many will form special and…

Every year, thousands of patients pass through our doors with stories of struggle, strength, hope, and perseverance. Many will form special and lasting bonds with their doctors, nurses, social workers, and other staff.

Center for Women's Health patient Rani, a TOLAC/VBAC patient, shares her perspective on the value of the care she experienced leading up to and during the birth of her second child, "With the support of my care team, I was able to focus on believing in myself and what I was capable of doing."

Read Rani's Story

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Anitra Galmore, DNP, Named Health Care Services Industry Leader

Leadership, Governance, Finance

In May, South County Health's very own Anitra Galmore, DNP, MS, BSN, NEA-BC, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer, was recognized as the…

In May, South County Health's very own Anitra Galmore, DNP, MS, BSN, NEA-BC, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer, was recognized as the 2024 Health Care Services Industry Leader by Providence Business News as part of their 2024 Business Women Award program. The award, which highlights exemplary leadership and dedication to healthcare services, underscores her outstanding contributions to the field.

Galmore, who holds a Doctorate of Nursing Practice, was nominated for this esteemed honor by her colleague, Andrew Prescott, South County Health's General Counsel, who praised her remarkable leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to excellence. "Anitra's visionary leadership and dedication to our mission make her an invaluable asset to our organization and the healthcare community at large," said Prescott.

With a career dedicated to advancing patient care and operational excellence, her leadership has been instrumental in shaping South County Health's mission to be Rhode Island's Most Trusted Health Partner. "I am deeply honored to receive this recognition," said Dr. Galmore. "This award is a testament to the hard work and unwavering commitment of our entire team at South County Health, whose dedication to delivering exceptional care inspires me every day."

Dr. Galmore’s impact extends far beyond her executive role, as she serves as a mentor and role model to many within the nursing community. "Anitra embodies the qualities of a true leader, always advocating for patients and empowering her team to excel," said Tory Groves, RN, Administrative Director of Nursing at South County Health.

South County Health is proud to celebrate Dr. Galmore's well-deserved recognition as PBN’s 2024 Health Care Services Industry Leader. Her leadership exemplifies our commitment to providing the highest quality care and service to our community.

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