Hospital introduces new core commitments, strategic plan, and logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alliston, Ontario (April 21, 2010) - Since the announcement of a new governance and management structure in late 2008, Stevenson Memorial Hospital (Stevenson) has implemented significant changes that have resulted in improved patient outcomes and operational efficiencies, exciting development plans for the future, and a renewed sense of pride for the organization by staff, physicians, volunteers, patients, and the community at large.

To ensure its continued success, hospital officials introduced today new core commitments and a three-year strategic plan for Stevenson. A new integrated logo, which has been adopted by the Hospital, Foundation, and Auxiliary, was also unveiled.

According to Board Chair, Ted Vandevis, today's announcement represents the first step in building a solid foundation from which Stevenson can continue to flourish as the provider of safe, quality healthcare services. "The Board of Directors has a responsibility to ensure the continued success of Stevenson. Having everyone working from the same page for the greater good of our community is an essential step in meeting this important mandate."

The hospital's new core commitments - which include the Vision, We Champion Your Care ...every step of the way, a Mission statement, and five Values - articulate the aspirations, purpose, and character of Stevenson. "The new core commitments are more than just words on a page - they define our internal belief system and represent our promise to continuously strive for excellence in everything we do," explains Gary Ryan, President & CEO.

The three-year Strategic Plan is focused on achieving goals that align with Stevenson's core commitments and can be measured against specific targets and outcomes. They include improving patient satisfaction scores; an increased focus on delivering diabetic care; creating a dynamic work environment for staff, physicians, and volunteers; improving information technology at the hospital; and achieving a balanced budget.

Equally committed to the long-term success of Stevenson, the Board of Directors of the Hospital, Foundation, and Auxiliary recently chose a new integrated logo to visually demonstrate the unity that exists amongst the three organizations. Sharing a common graphic element and an individualized word mark, the new logo was designed by Tottenham resident and graphic designer, Leighanna Gordon. In 1999, as a Banting Memorial High School student, Ms. Gordon designed the Foundation's previous logo.

The cost to create the new logo design was minimal and the Hospital, Foundation, and Auxiliary are committed to depleting existing stock of printed materials before ordering supplies displaying the new logo.

"The core commitments, strategic plan, and new logo were created with input from people who either deliver or receive healthcare services at Stevenson," said Gary Ryan. "Although we are pleased with our efforts to date, we have a lot of work ahead of us in meeting the high expectations we have set for the organization."

Since 2008, Stevenson has successfully redesigned and expanded its emergency department and out-patient clinics to better accommodate the growing number of people seeking health care services at the Hospital. The birthing unit reopened and has assisted in the delivery of more than 500 babies, including five sets of twins. In addition, a new, state-of-the-art CT Scan suite opened ahead of schedule in June 2009, and eight new physicians have been successfully recruited to the area.