November 2009

Dear Friends:

These days, healthcare consumers concerned about patient safety when selecting a hospital are discovering that Greenwich Hospital ranks among the safest medical institutions in the nation.

From electronic medical records to medication verification systems to electronic physician orders, Greenwich Hospital invests millions of dollars each year on technological advances that touch on every facet of patient safety. These measures are designed to keep patients, visitors and employees as safe as possible.

Our goal is to become the safest hospital in America by creating a culture of safety that permeates every level of the organization.

Our Safest Hospital initiative focuses on integrating technology and safety to strengthen patient protections and help ensure they receive the highest possible level of care.

Greenwich Hospital’s reputation for patient safety is one of the reasons we were named among the “Top 100 Most Wired Hospitals” by Hospitals & Health Networks magazine for a ninth year. This recognition goes to medical institutions that use information technology to enhance care, customer service and patient safety.

Technology allows our medical team to deliver care safely and accurately. Electronic physician instructions reduce the potential for errors, eliminating the need to decipher penmanship. A “bedside medication verification” system means the right patient receives the right medication at the right time. Electronic medical records provide instant access to a patient’s medical history, including concerns that impact care.

We can track infectious diseases and prevent medical complications with the use of technology that improves clinical decision-making. Technology helps us to identify the need for safety initiatives, such as our fall prevention program and rapid response teams for quick intervention. Patients remain safe upon leaving the hospital with the reconciliation of prescriptions upon discharge.

Rest assured, Greenwich Hospital will never compromise on safety and quality – in good or bad economic times – in our quest to become the safest hospital in America.

Frank A. Corvino President and Chief Executive Officer