In a recent “State of the Hospital” address, Mountainside President and CEO John Fromhold credited increased admissions (including 46% more infant births), new therapeutic treatments, a 40% increase in medical personnel and improved patient satisfaction ratings as contributing factors to the organization’s robust health.
Just three years ago, Baristaville residents feared that the hospital might shut its doors completely. However recent data shows the community-based hospital is far from obsolete.
In 2009, Mountainside treated more than 130,000 patients and provided screenings and support to another 10,000. Fromhold pointed out that the hospital spends more than $18 million annually to supplement unreimbursed care for patients facing financial hardships, and to support residency and nursing education programs.
Therapeutic, diagnostic and administrative upgrades throughout the hospital have improved Mountainside’s patient care capabilities. The hospital received designation as a Primary Stroke Center and national accreditation with the Cancer Institute of New Jersey. Future projects include completion of two hyperbaric wound care chambers, a perinatal unit for “at risk” pregnancies, expansion of the Dialysis Center, and creation of a Gero-Psychiatric program to treat dementia and cognitive impairment.
Owned by Merit Health Systems — a private hospital management company which acquires, owns and operates urban community hospitals — Mountainside currently pays nearly $2 million in taxes each year, employs more than 1,600 area residents and spends close to $100 million annually on payroll and benefits. Despite economic challenges and changes based on health care reform, Fromhold said Mountainside is poised for success: “Mountainside Hospital has been a good neighbor for 119 years…with the continued support of the community, our medical team and employees, the best is yet to come.”
Wife’s uncle went in for elective surgery recently. While there, he developed a severe staph infection and died. You know, the germs that get spread through inadequate hygene, wearing scrubs outside, etc.
Nuff said..
My sympathies on the loss of your wife’s uncle. However, this is an endemic problem at many hospitals; it needs to be continually addressed and I hope Mountainside is making an effort to reduce this risk.
That said, my mother was recently hospitalized at Mountainside and she received excellent care, particularly in the ICU. The nurses and doctors in the ICU couldn’t have been nicer or more attentive. My mother, who is 91, was in very bad shape from COPD and they were able to save her life. She was able to go to rehab and get back to her own apartment after her care. While there are always issues in hospitals (for instance, sometimes it was hard to get an aide or nurse to come when called for a non-medical reason such as bedpan use, etc.), in terms of medical care I was very pleased with the care she received there. And it certainly is a convenient location for Baristaville compared to the alternatives.
Mauigirl, I’m glad your mother came through. I hope she’s continuing to heal.