Bladen County Hospital wants to earn the respect of the citizens of Bladen County in serving your healthcare needs. Though in the eyes of some residents, we have missed opportunities to build public confidence in the past. Today we want the public to know that we are increasing in our commitment to exceed the expectations of our patients and family in delivering quality, personalized healthcare to all.

Bladen County Hospital has been recognized in the past as a national leader in innovative health service to the community. Though the past recognitions are impressive to the state and national healthcare community, we have recent achievements and stated aspirations which may be more valued on a local level.

Your hospital, Bladen County Hospital, recently received re-accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization. The survey was thorough, the results were superb. We not only passed the survey, but we passed with flying colors.

Additionally, the NC State Division of Facility Services conducted an unannounced facility survey which scored a 99 on a 100 point scale. Be assured that we will continue to strive for a perfect score.

We asked you about your hospital services recently in starting a new patient satisfaction survey and the results indicated that we have a long way to go in meeting your expectations.

We are making improvements and changes to reduce wait time in the Emergency Department. Our average turnaround times in December-February (our busy season, flu season) saw an average turnaround of 180 minutes. Our goal is to reduce wait times below the national average of 150 minutes.

Hospital billing is confusing to all and we are hoping to simplify the process for our patients, provide estimates for changes up front, and to assist these eligible for alternate sources of funding to obtain the approvals, reducing the need to be threatening in our collection efforts.

In collaboration with Bladen County Hospital we hope to improve satisfaction with accessibility of our physicians for local appointments. We hope to reduce wait times for appointments and improve turnaround in the office. All in all, the best award and recognition we can receive is the confidence of our local communities in Bladen County. We are your hospital and hope that you will see improvements take ownership of our excellent healthcare.

Finally, we are a good hospital. We have very dedicated employees, physicians and volunteers who commit themselves to your service. We are human and we are not perfect, but we will continue to strive to be.

We need the help of communities in giving us a chance. Get involved, consider our services as you choose providers and let us know where we can do better. Patient satisfaction surveys will continue for those who choose us, and we welcome constructive feedback from all citizens of the county.

Thank you for a warm welcome to your community. Bladen County is a great place to be.



David Masterson

CEO

Bladen County Hospital