The independent Meadville (Pa.) Medical Center is thriving at a time when many other community hospitals are closing, consolidating or affiliating with major metropolitan hospitals, according to an Erie Times-News report.
Here are four things to know about what Meadville has done to thrive.
1. Expand. The medical center has opened new facilities, brought in new services and recently acquired Titusville (Pa.) Area Hospital. "We have really expanded services over the last decade to help solidify healthcare locally," Don Rhoten, the hospital's vice president for community engagement, told the Erie Times-News.
2. Specialize. Specifically, Meadville opened an oncology center, dental center and dermatology and skin surgery institute based on community needs. And in December, the medical center is expected to open the first phase of its Vernon Place development in Vernon Township with enlarged space for occupational, physical and speech therapy services; workforce and women's health services; and radiology, according to the report.
3. Focus on the patient. The hospital also works with Allegheny College in Meadville to assess community health needs on a regular basis, including preventive healthcare, according to the report. "It's all about the patient's experience. We're offering outpatient services in convenient, health-focused and preventive ways," Ann White, hospital vice president of rehabilitation and outpatient services, told the Erie Times-News.
4. Improve. Moving forward, the hospital wants to expand the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Center, become accredited as a Level III trauma center and continue to respond to community needs.