Hospital's new CEO ready to get to work

Impressed by the area and intrigued by the challenges, Robert P. Perry has accepted the position of president and chief executive officer of St. Clare's Hospital in Schenectady.

The native of Massachusetts comes to the Albany Diocese after serving as CEO of Northeastern Hospital in Philadelphia.

"I was intrigued with the hospital, employees and board members here," Mr. Perry told The Evangelist. "I was very impressed with their dedication to this hospital. During visits, my wife and I met many wonderful people -- board members, physicians, volunteers and staff. We're most appreciative of the warm welcome we have received."

Diagnosis

Mr. Perry, who has been involved in healthcare administration for his entire career, sees the 200-bed hospital as increasing its services to patients, but he isn't necessarily looking for expansion of the hospital itself.

"My work here will be a challenge, and I look forward to that," he said. "St. Clare's has celebrated the cultural heritages of the community by welcoming everyone who comes for care, and that will continue. We are a full-service, community hospital that completely serves the needs of the people in this area.

"We have 38,000 visits to our emergency room each year, which is the highest number to any Schenectady hospital. [Our ER is] the third most utilized in the Capital Region."

Symptoms

However, last year, St. Clare's was the only hospital in the region to post a net loss -- of $2.7 million. In 2003, the hospital reported a net loss of $7 million.

The hospital has increased its revenue by the recent addition of outpatient services, including a magnetic resonance imaging machine and scanners.

"Our principal focus at St. Clare's, after patient care, will be to get back on a sounder financial footing," Mr. Perry said.

Prognosis

Several community hospitals have been purchased by for-profit organizations in recent years in an effort to survive. Mr. Perry said that St. Clare's is not looking at that option because being part of a corporate take-over "doesn't always ensure a financial gain" for a hospital.

"Technology is booming in the healthcare field. Services are very expensive. St. Clare's is expanding these services and will continue to do so in the future."

Mr. Perry noted that "the charitable mission of St. Clare's is to serve everyone that comes through our doors. Some of these people are not insured. We will continue to serve everyone. I am committed to promoting the highest caliber of patient care, strengthening the hospital's financial position and enhancing its relationships with the medical staff."

(Mr. Perry, a medic during the Vietnam War, was awarded the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.)

(7/28/05) [[In-content Ad]]