MDNews - Central New York

ROME MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AFFILIATES WITH ST. JOSEPH'S HEALTH TO EXPAND ACCESS TO CARE Rome Memorial Hospital's (RMH's) board of trustees and St. Joseph's Health are pleased to announce they are entering into a col - laborative relationship in pursuit of mutual goals to expand patient access to needed services and technology in the community, according to a recent announcement by RMH Board of Trustees Chair Chester Patrick, MD, and President and CEO David Lundquist. "Following a comprehensive evaluation, the board has selected St. Joseph's Health, a healthcare system that shares our commit - ment to providing patients with high-quality, coordinated care that is easily accessible," Dr. Patrick says. "The signing of the transition service agreement provides the framework for RMH to become affiliated with St. Joseph's Health as we work together to deliver the highest level of quality healthcare services to meet the needs of our patients." During the next several months, RMH and St. Joseph's Health will be working through the details to finalize the affiliation agree - ment and obtain the necessary regula- tory approvals. "St. Joseph's Health is becoming a region - al system of care," says Kathryn Ruscitto, President and CEO of St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center. "We are excited about our relationship with RMH because it creates a seamless connection between our health - care systems, improving patients' access to the highest level of care." "Ranked among the top hospitals in the nation for heart surgery, St. Joseph's Health is also recognized for its focus on expanding community-based primary care to improve the overall health of the people it serves," Lundquist says. "Working with St. Joseph's Health will provide our own RMH physicians and staff with needed support and resources to ensure our patients have access to a full continuum of services. The collaboration will also enhance the coordination of care for our patients so it is easier for them to navigate the healthcare system. Whether they receive care here close to home or need more spe - cialized care, they will be reassured knowing we have the resources within the collabora - tive network to provide the care they need." "Delivering high-quality care in home communities is best for the patient," Ruscitto adds. "When open-heart surgery or tertiary care is needed and a patient must come to St. Joseph's Health, our partners will have a direct connection to our award- winning services, which will help them pro - vide their patients with the best care possible in their home communities." RMH will continue to operate as an inde- pendent, separately licensed hospital with community representatives providing strong local governance. The hospital's employees and physicians will continue their tradition of providing exceptional care to their patients. "RMH and its board have been visionary in planning for the community's needs and has our praise for planning for the needs of residents," Ruscitto says. "RMH's board of trustees and senior leadership team are excited to build a rela - tionship with St. Joseph's Health because it shares the values we hold dear, as well as our vision for the future and our commitment to high quality care," Dr. Patrick adds. JAMIE ARNOLD JOINS ST. JOSEPH'S HEALTH AS COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING OFFICER Kathryn Ruscitto, President and CEO of St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center, recently announced that Jamie Arnold has been named communications and marketing of - ficer for the nonprofit regional healthcare system. Arnold brings more than 20 years of corporate communications and public relations experience to the team. In this capacity, Arnold will oversee all market - ing, public relations, internal and external communications, and media relations programs. He will also will provide strategic oversight on network integrity and patient alignment efforts. An integral part of the St. Joseph's Health leadership team, Arnold will serve as the subject matter expert on all key communications and branding initia - tives. He will advise and consult with the CEO, executive leadership and physicians to help St. Joseph's Health and its parent company, Trinity Health, achieve key busi - ness objectives. "Jamie is a communications veteran with extensive knowledge of the healthcare industry gained from an impressive mix of corporate and agency experience which will be instrumental to the success of our hos - pital system," Ruscitto says. "He will work closely with me and other members of my staff to help us execute our mission to pro- vide the best possible healthcare services to our patients and advance the health of the communities we serve." Most recently, Arnold ser ved as corpo- rate communications manager at Welch Allyn in Skaneateles Falls, where he was responsible for managing the company's global reputation within the regional and business-to-business media environment. Prior to joining Welch Allyn, Arnold worked as an account super visor in the Public Relations and Public Affairs Group at Eric Mower and Associates, a leading adver tising agency with a public relations practice that consistently ranks in the top five percent of all PR firms in the U.S. by PR Week magazine. Arnold earned his bachelor's degree from Le Moyne College and is currently pursuing a master's degree in communica - tions management from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. He was a recipient of the Central New York Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Award and the Public Relations Society of America-Central New York's Rising Star Award. ■ MEDICAL BRIEFS 1 4 1 4❱❱❱❱❱ M E D I C A L B R I E F S

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