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CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.– The American Hospital Association Political Action Committee and The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania Political Action Committee presented Norman Epstein, President and Chief Executive Officer for Summit Health with their Most Valuable Player award at Chambersburg Hospital's annual meeting on Tuesday, November 27.

The award was presented by Martin Ciccocioppo, Vice President for Research for The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP).

Carolyn F. Scanlan, President and Chief Executive Officer for HAP, said in a prepared statement that: "HAP nominated Norm for this award because of his tireless support for quality health care for Summit Health patients and beyond. Norm is always the first to respond to HAP (The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania) and American Hospital Association (AHA) requests for action when state or federal policy makers threaten, through regulation or payment policies, the ability of hospitals, physicians, and health systems to effectively care for patients in their communities. Norm merits this award for all he does to support Healing, Health and Hope."

During both Chambersburg and Waynesboro Hospitals’ Annual Meetings on Tuesday, Epstein presented Summit Health’s annual report.

Summit Health reported revenue of nearly $396 million for fiscal year 2011-2012 in their 2012 annual report.

The report, released today, also outlines many of the health system’s community benefit programs, awards, and more information on Chambersburg Hospital’s building project.

Building Project
According to Norm Epstein, President and Chief Executive Officer of Summit Health, the new King Street addition at Chambersburg hospital is, “… another amazing feat within the healthcare industry where declining payments and the uncertainty of healthcare reform forced many hospitals to scrap expansion plans.”

The 180,000 square-foot addition is slated to open in December. A public open house is being held Saturday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to noon. Parking is available near the intersection of King Street and Seventh Street.

Summit Health by the Numbers
Although Summit Health reports a small decline in births, surgeries, and lab tests performed at both Chambersburg Hospital and Waynesboro Hospital in fiscal year 2011–2012, the health system did see an increase in inpatient admissions and physician office visits.

Also up was Summit Health’s community benefit, which includes money that was invested in the community through items like health fairs, volunteering, grants, research, emergency preparedness, medical equipment, scholarships, etc., increasing to $42.6 million from $39 million last year. Community benefit also includes charity care, or care provided to patients unable to pay, which increased to $28.1 million – about $2 million above last year’s total.

An Award-Winning Year
Summit Health affiliates were recognized regionally and nationally for performance.  The annual report lists the following:
Waynesboro Hospital was ranked among the Top 10 percent in the nation for “Outstanding Patient Experience” according to the HealthGrades website.

Chambersburg Hospital received the “Mission: Lifeline Gold Performance Achievement Award” from the American Heart Association. The award recognizes hospitals that have higher standard of care for heart attack patients.  Chambersburg Hospital was the only hospital in Pennsylvania to receive the award in 2012.
Waynesboro Hospital was the “Most Recommended Hospital in the Region” according to patient satisfaction scores reported by the federal government.

Chambersburg Hospital received the “5 Star Community Value Award” from Cleverley + Associates for lower costs, lower charges, using financial resources efficiently, operating with a high degree of community value, and providing high-quality patient care.

Chambersburg Hospital was designated as an “Institute of Quality” by Aetna for cardiac interventions. This recognition is only available to hospitals with heart care programs that have higher standards of care, treat a high number of heart patients, and have higher success rates for their patients.

Summit Health’s “Pathways to Nursing Careers” program was recognized as a best practice and innovative program by the Society of Healthcare Human Resources Professionals of Pennsylvania.
Chambersburg Hospital received United Healthcare’s “Gold Star II Award” in recognition of the hospital’s successful infection control program. Chambersburg Hospital was 1 of only 20 hospitals across Pennsylvania to receive the award.

To view the complete report, visit SummitHealth.org.

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Summit Health, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to building a healthier community through leading-edge medical technology, skilled physicians, caring staff, and convenient locations.  Summit Health’s comprehensive selection of services and providers includes family physicians, surgeons, specialists, diagnostic services, a women’s health center, a fitness center, two walk-in care centers, and two award-winning hospitals.

For more information about Summit Health, call (717) 267-7136 or visit www.SummitHealth.org and www.facebook.com/SummitHealth.