Interview with Two Great Leaders of Heywood Healthcare in Gardner MA
A very important event happened in Gardner on June 27, 1907. Heywood Hospital opened its doors. Over the years it has grown from a staff of 100 to more than 1000. Heywood has sought to expand facilities and services at every turn. That recently led to some financial challenges which Heywood has met head-on with its usual competency and focus on patient care.
In fact, with the current challenges of a post-pandemic world, Heywood Hospital opted to be led by 2 Chief Executive officers. One with greater skills on the clinical side, Rozanna Penney, and one with greater skills on the financial side, Tom Sullivan. Listen to the interview on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Both Co-CEO’s were completely transparent about their extensive qualifications. Both are highly qualified and complement each other.
Rozanna Penney spoke about the Emergency Department and the safety of staff and patients, provided details on how Heywood is a true community hospital with the focus on serving its community, the hospital’s community work including the schools, getting the job done for patients in all areas of the hospital, and what hiring is going on right now.
Tom Sullivan spoke about the positive financial aspects of filing for Chapter 11 Protection, how daily operations have been positively affected, about a few bumps in the road, and how steps are taken so nothing is disrupted. He explained the various challenges of expenses and revenue. He emphasized that the focus is on good patient care.
Mini Baby Boom Begun?
While not by a huge amount, baby deliveries at Heywood Hospital were actually up by a total of 11 in the first 3 quarters of 2023 versus 2022. (This was reported inaccurately in another local publication.) The Lachance Maternity Center is described as an immaculate, beautiful unit with private labor recovery suites with nice, roomy queen beds. Heywood is noted for its excellent maternity care and notably has the 2nd lowest rate of c-sections in the entire state of Massachusetts. Heywood opened its first maternity center over 100 years ago.