A Note from the President

In my 13 months as president of Windham Hospital, the most frequent question I’ve been asked as I’ve traveled throughout Eastern Connecticut is “what does the future hold for Windham Hospital?”

With so much uncertainty in this current economic climate, decreasing state and federal reimbursement rates and declining patient volume, it’s certainly a valid question. During my listening tours with community members, rounding with leaders and staff, and meetings with our revitalization committee, I have been moved by the passion of the community, our medical staff and employees in ensuring the success of Windham Hospital. 

Thanks to their input and building on a foundation of more than 80 years of excellence in community care, we have begun a revitalization plan to help secure the future success of the hospital. Parts of the plan already underway include:

An agreement with the Center for Bone and Joint Care Orthopedic Associates of Windham County with the Putnam-based practice expanding its practice to Windham Hospital with all providers becoming members of the Windham Medical Staff. The agreement has enhanced the hospital’s overall orthopedic surgery capabilities, as well as adding MAKOplasty robotic assisted hip and knee joint replacement in the hospital which will begin in February

The addition of cardiologists for outpatient and in-hospital cardiac services and consultation and an expansion of cardiology testing in both hospital and outpatient settings with the goal of reducing wait times and improving the patient experience.

Transforming the hospital’s hospitalist program to provide continuity of care for inpatients and a more streamlined admissions process.

The opening of the Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging at Windham Hospital connecting seniors and their families to crucial health and behavioral health resources

And, the renovation of the former Auxiliary to Windham Hospital Coffee Shop which has been transformed into the new Sumner Family Trust Café—a centerpiece in the hospital’s atrium.

We’re off to an impressive start. And, thanks to our partnership with our medical staff, building new relationships, and some strategic thinking, all of these endeavors are have already started to have a positive impact on our inpatient volume and have meant more patients are utilizing other hospital services as well.

These enhancements would not have been possible without the support of the leadership of Hartford HealthCare, the vision and expertise our revitalization committee and direction from community members and local leaders.  I thank you all for your persistence and unyielding devotion to the care of our patients and the future success of our hospital.

This plan is only the beginning. We continue to evaluate our services and look for areas of improvement that will allow us to remain a financially sound organization while providing the highest quality care to our patients.

Sincerely,

Bima Patel
East Region President

Windham Revitalization Committee

Cary Trantalis, RN, MSN
Fred Bailey
Pam Bouten
Mary Barry, MD
Francis Siracusa, MD
Mark Dziedzic, MD
Craig Foster, MD

Steve Lee, MD
Dan Lohr
Cindy McClarran
Nadia Nashid, MD
Corinna Quimby
Ann Semolic, MD

Charles Shooks, MD
Charlene West
W. Jeffrey Baker, MD
Robert Bundy, MD
Jeffrey Cohen, MD
John Foley, MD