Since 1903 when Governor and Mrs. Eben S. Draper donated the land and buildings that became Milford Regional, the system that has developed has been about serving our community. The last few years have brought us unique and unforeseen challenges, but our steadfast focus on serving our community has helped us navigate those hurdles.
Our purpose for and in our community is constant, and the footprint of our facilities and breadth of services continue to meet the needs of our patients, close to home. Not only did our community inspire our existence back in 1903, it defines our continued relevance today.
Milford Regional, like all healthcare organizations throughout New England and across the nation, was met with another challenging year as high patient acuity and volume prevailed. Capacity issues and patient flow proved to be our prioritized concerns.
Especially during Fiscal Year 2022 with these factors in play and our financial health being tested, our focus centered on doing what was right to take care of the community. This meant leveraging our high quality of care throughout our system of care—in our main hospital setting, at our outpatient and Urgent Care settings and through our provider offices. We also leaned heavily on our established partnerships with four academic medical centers and those related pathways to care.
Partnerships continue to be pivotal. We are fortunate to serve as a teaching hospital for University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School and to collaborate closely with our affiliate institutions including Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Boston Children’s Physicians. Our close collaboration with academic medical centers, behavioral health providers, visiting nurse associations, skilled nursing facilities, and nursing homes were critically important in transitioning patients their next level of care.
In FY22, we continued our strategic recruitment of specialists to Milford Regional’s care team. These growing number of specialty care providers, as well as our partnerships with sister institutions, add to our breadth of care to better serve our Central Massachusetts community.
Continuing support from the community has enabled Milford Regional to keep pace with technological advances and local needs. As we enter our 120th year, we are steadily mindful of our mission to serve the community and grateful for the ongoing and generous investment in time, intellect, financial support and good faith that allow us to successfully meet our commitment every day.
Our success is buoyed by our many friends, donors, neighbors, area businesses and organizational partners in greater Milford. Community engagement with Milford Regional was and remains apparent and imperative since our opening. It is rare to encounter a local resident or business person who is unfamiliar or unaffected by Milford Regional. We take great pride in our responsibility to serve as an important thread in the fabric of our Central Massachusetts community.
As time capsules from 2022 are opened decades and centuries from now, artifacts and headlines may generally suggest a struggling healthcare industry. However, I believe the many specific accounts of our team’s remarkable grit, perseverance and selfless dedication will more accurately depict the overwhelmingly positive impact we made in our community and what it meant to be part of something great at Milford Regional Medical Center and Healthcare System in FY22.
Thank you to our whole team who continues to work so hard to advance Milford Regional’s mission to provide exceptional healthcare services to our community with dignity, compassion and respect.
Edward J. Kelly
President and Chief Executive Officer
Milford Regional Medical Center & Healthcare System
Introduction
Community Conversation
In March 2022, Milford Regional Medical Center hosted its first virtual Community Conversation event. In the announcement, Milford Regional President and Chief Executive Officer Ed Kelly shared, “We want to hear what is on the minds of the community, so we hope area residents, community partners, and local businesses take advantage of this opportunity to engage with us. As a leading employer, the medical center of choice, and an influence on the area’s health and economy, Milford Regional welcomes this opportunity to connect with the population we proudly serve.”
On March 16, Kelly was joined by more than 100 guests, Board of Trustees Chair and Vice Chair Laura Mann, Esq. and Anthony Consigli, as well as other leaders. Milford Regional shared an informative update and addressed important topics through a series of pre-submitted questions. Topics included the impact of COVID-19, the effectiveness of vaccines, financial challenges, access to healthcare throughout our community, and improvements made in patient care despite the challenging times, to name a few. The Medical Center hopes to continue this initiative to continue to strengthen its connection with community members and curate input that will help inform Milford Regional’s services going forward.
Tri-County Regional Chamber Humanitarian Award
In a true show of community support, Milford Regional Medical Center was recognized with the 2022 Humanitarian Award, presented by the Tri-County Regional Chamber of Commerce (formerly the Milford Area Chamber of Commerce.) The award recognized Milford Regional’s dedication, service and support during the pandemic.
Chamber President Laura O’Callaghan said that the award is “for every single doctor, nurse, office worker, the maintenance crew—really every single person who works at the hospital. We wanted to recognize all those who were and continue to be on the front lines.”
Community Benefits Report
Fiscal Year 2022 was focused on increasing access to mental health resources and improving the overall mental health of our youth. Led by the Community Benefits Leadership Team and Advisory Committee, a task force was focused on planning “Partners in Care: Clinical and Community Solutions to Address Youth Mental Health” for clinicians and other professionals who interact with children, teens and young adults to foster creative collaborations to bridge the gap between the urgent demand and lack of resources. The event took place on October 12 and a follow-up program is planned for Spring 2023.
While the primary focus for the past year was on mental health, our Community Benefits team remained committed to working with our community partners to work on other priorities in the 2021 Community Health Needs Assessment – Health Care/Health Insurance Access, Improving Health Outcomes in Worcester County and Food Insecurity and Homelessness.
Advancing the mission of improving community health through prevention and education, the Community Benefits Leadership Team and Advisory Committee looks forward to making impactful changes for our residents through thoughtful planning and productive partnerships with resources in our community for the greater health benefit of all.
Milford Regional Team Sends Support to Ukraine
Community also has global reach. In an effort to help with the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, members of Milford Regional’s team assembled a shipment of medical supplies for the Ukranian Medical Association of America (UMANA). Alcohol prep pads, bandages, needles and syringes, hand sanitizer, isolation gowns, gloves, gauze and IV solutions were among the supplies donated.
UMANA is a voluntary non-profit association of professionals licensed in various areas of health care in the U.S. and Canada. The organization has received more than $1.9 million in donations to aid medical relief in Ukraine and Milford Regional is humbled to contribute to their work.
Milford Regional Continues Support of Blackstone Valley Tech School-Based Health Center
For more than 20 years, Milford Regional’s School-Based Health Center (SBHC) has been collaborating with Blackstone Valley Tech School’s nurses and counselors to offer students access to healthcare, including mental health services. In 2022, Milford Regional secured a ten-year renewable $150,000 per year grant to continue services at the SBHC, where the need for adolescent services continues to grow.
The grant was awarded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services Department of Public Health. It will be utilized to fund the salaries of the SBHC’s Nurse Practitioner and Officer Coordinator/Community Outreach, who MRMC employs, and mental health services provided through Riverside Community Care clinicians. Services provided at the SBHC include diagnosing and treating acute and chronic medical conditions, physical exams for sports, school, and employment, support and education regarding healthy relationships, and consultations with primary care providers. Through its counselors, the SBHC program also provides mental health evaluations and on-campus counseling for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, relationships, and self-esteem. Nutrition education, such as assessments, diabetes support, and counseling to maximize healthy living, is available at the Health Center.
Year at a Glance
Quality
Milford Regional’s commitment to the community is reflected in its dedication to delivering
quality care every day to every patient. We are honored to have that commitment recognized
locally, regionally and nationally in various ways in 2022.
Accreditation by The Joint Commission
The Joint Commission, the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare, visits hospitals across the country approximately every three years to assure that healthcare standards are being met or exceeded. After months of preparation with Milford Regional’s entire team participating, The Joint Commission conducted an intense four-day visit and one-day follow-up visit to Milford Regional in 2022 and granted accreditation. The Joint Commission shined a light on both the level of and manner in which Milford Regional delivers care. Their positive impressions reflected Milford Regional’s collective commitment to patient care and safety. Milford Regional President Ed Kelly and Chief Quality Officer and Vice President for Clinical Transformation and Medical Staff Services Bert Thurlo-Walsh delivered the news of accreditation to the entire Milford Regional community with gratitude for the hard work that goes into every Joint Commission review.
Excellence in Stroke Treatment Recognized for Ninth Consecutive Year
Milford Regional was awarded the 2022 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association “Get with the Guidelines-Stroke” Gold Plus Award for the ninth consecutive year. The award comes after Milford Regional’s multidisciplinary Stroke Committee – co-led by Neurologist Eliezer Sternberg, MD and Emergency Medicine Physician Karen DeFazio, MD, FACEP – implemented several new strategies to improve stroke care, including launching the Code Stroke paging protocol.
This new system expedites stroke care upon patients’ arrival to the Emergency Department or upon recognition of acute stroke symptoms with inpatients. The protocol depends on a seamless collaboration of the Emergency Department, nursing, hospital medicine, critical care and neurology to deliver the best neurological care to patients.
Unprecedented Achievement in Hospital Safety
The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harm to patients. Milford Regional received its eighth consecutive Leapfrog Grade “A”, an unprecedented honor that recognizes the dedication of every member of the Medical Center team. The national rating is based on over 30 performance measures reflecting errors, injuries, accidents and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm. Milford Regional’s continued commitment to the community is reflected in this national honor.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Five-Star Rating
Milford Regional has once again earned The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) highest recognition – a five-star rating for hospital quality. This honor was given to just 11 hospitals in Massachusetts and 429 hospitals nationally.
The CMS is based on scores for mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience and timely and effective care. The rating system was developed to help consumers choose highly rated hospitals for their healthcare.
U.S. News & World Report Ranks Milford Regional High-Performing
Milford Regional was once again recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a High-Performing Hospital, naming four areas of specialty where Milford Regional delivered care that was significantly better than the national average: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD); Heart Failure; Hip Fracture; and Kidney Failure. This nationally ranking includes evaluation of more than 4500 medical centers nationwide.
101.3 WMRC-FM “MyFM” Gold Honors
Milford Regional was honored with WMRC-FM’s “Quest for the Best – Gold” award for both Best Hospital and Best Charity Event. The honor, which is voted on by community members, named Milford Regional as “Best Hospital” with a focus on its extraordinary community service during the Covid-19 pandemic.
A second Gold award highlighted Milford Regional’s annual “Mélange” gala and live auction, which is overseen by Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation and provides essential financial support to Milford Regional Medical Center’s facilities and services.
Milford Regional Physician Group Earns Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Accolade
Milford Regional Physician Group, a key partner in the Milford Regional Healthcare System, was named once again to the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Physician Group Honor Roll. This recognition highlights physician groups throughout New England that have achieved exceptional results in their approach to disease prevention and the treatment of acute and chronic illness for both adult and pediatric patients.
Social Responsibility is a Cornerstone of Milford Regional
The Lown Institute Hospital Index is groundbreaking in its evaluation of hospitals not only on patient outcomes but also on leadership and dedication to community. Milford Regional ranked in the top third of hospitals nationally and 19th out of 55 hospitals in Massachusetts.
Within the Massachusetts index, the Medical Center was ranked #1 in patient safety and #7 in Patient Satisfaction. In a state known for many excellent health care institutions, Milford Regional is honored to be included in these rankings.
Patient Care
Quality patient care is the hallmark of Milford Regional. Every decision from future investments
to new protocols, continuous training and strategic partnerships have one guiding light: How
does this help Milford Regional deliver excellence in patient care with dignity, compassion and
respect? During the first two months of 2022, Milford Regional was once again focused on
testing and treatment of COVID-19. Then our focus continued to widen from that singular
mission to enhancing patient care in several new ways. Many of the seeds for these patient care
initiatives have been cultivated for months and years as every person on the Milford Regional
team has also dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic. We are proud to have these important
advancements come to fruition in 2022.
Drive-Thru COVID Testing
As our community began 2022, the Omicron variant of COVID-19 caused another spike in cases. Milford Regional provided Drive-Thru Testing from January 10 – February 23 to help contain the spread and provide access to early treatment.
The Milford Regional team performed 2,423 COVID tests for the community and the lab performed an additional 191 tests for Employee Health, bringing the total test volume to 2,614 during that time. The peak testing day was January 24 with 195 patients and staff being tested in the Drive-Thru program.
Strengthening Surgical Technology with Two Additional da Vinci Robotic Systems
To help meet the growing demand for surgical services, Milford Regional added two more da Vinci Xi™ Robotic systems in 2022. Since 2013, Milford Regional has performed approximately 2,400 surgeries utilizing the robotic technology. The da Vinci Xi™ robotic system is state-of-the-art technology that allows a surgeon to sit at a nearby console to view 3D images of the surgical site and maneuver the arms of the robotic instruments inside the body of the patient.
According to MRMC Chairman of the Department of Surgery Dr. Patrick McEnaney, “Having three da Vinci Xi™ systems is confirmation that Milford Regional has the most advanced resources available to help us provide the best and safest care we can to our patients.” The robotic surgical system can be used for certain general, genecology and urology surgeries as well as weight loss and thoracic surgeries.
The addition of the new da Vinci Xi™ systems will help Milford Regional expand its minimally invasive surgical procedures while also providing optimal outcomes for patients including less invasive surgeries, smaller incisions, quicker recoveries and shorter length of stays in the hospital resulting in lower costs to the patient. Recent data has shown that a hernia patient’s length of stay can decrease by a full day if the da Vinci Xi™ is utilized.
New Tandem Dialysis Suite
Milford Regional opened a newly constructed tandem dialysis suite within the Gannett Unit. This allows Fresenius, the Medical Center’s partner for dialysis care, to provide dialysis treatment to two patients at one time. This timely delivery of care helps avoid delays, benefiting a growing list of dialysis patients.
Milford Regional Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Center Offering Innovative Treatments
In Spring of 2022, Milford Regional Orthopedics & Sports Medicine opened its 10,000-square-foot facility a short distance from the main hospital campus. Their highly credentialed and experienced team of nine providers, including the late summer 2022 arrival of Orthopedic Surgeon Brendan Kiernan, MD, offer orthopedic and sports medicine care for adults and children including evaluation and treatment for conditions of the musculoskeletal system, extremities, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments.
This center of excellence is offering innovative treatment plans including Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections (PRP) and consultation on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). PRP uses a patient’s own blood plasma to treat chronic injuries and pain, which eliminates the risk of side effects or reaction. Specialist Kevin Jillson, MD reports that PRP has shown to be effective in treating tennis elbow, arthritis (particularly in the knee), plantar fasciitis and rotator cuff tears, as well as other degenerative muscle, tendon and ligament issues.
At the Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Center, Family and Sports Medicine Physician Amy Costa, MD, CAQSM, has been educating young athletes about RED-S, a condition of energy imbalance in athletes in which the body will steal fuel from other sources. It was introduced by the International Olympic Committee in 2014, refining the condition referred to as Female Athlete Triad. Often unrecognized and undiagnosed, RED-S is common in both male and female athletes. Dr. Costa is illuminating the need for highly personalized nutritional intake and recommendations for adolescent and young adult athletes.
Laboratory Upgraded with Advanced Technology and Automation
Milford Regional’s Laboratory placed hematology analyzers into service in 2022. The new analyzers introduce the most advanced technology and automation, enhancing the quality of care provided to patients. The entire Hematology Department is now automated, affording a more streamlined workflow for receiving and testing specimens. Slide reading is now completed using the CellaVision DI-60, providing a digital photo of all cellular images for review, providing more consistent results. Photos can now be reviewed by technologists and pathologists in the software, making collaboration much more efficient. This improves consistency and reduces turn-around times on differential counts. The technology has also allowed for physical consolidation, which provides laboratory space for new methods and technologies in other departments.
Accolades and New Faces
In 2022, Milford Regional Medical Center attracted new talent in many departments and our
leadership was distinguished with accolades highlighting the quality of our team in many ways.
President and CEO Ed Kelly Featured in Influential Central Massachusetts “Power 50”
Every year Worcester Business Journal publishes its WBJ “Power 50” list, illuminating the most influential professionals driving the economy of Central Massachusetts. Milford Regional President and CEO Ed Kelly was added to the list in May 2022, evidence of his steadfast leadership of Milford Regional through the challenging COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Milford Regional Board of Trustees Chair Laura Mann, Esquire, “Ed is a thoughtful and compassionate leader, who has successfully leveraged his steady business acumen to lead our community to and innovative growth.” Ed Kelly has served as a senior administrator at Milford Regional since 1993 and was appointed to his current role as president and CEO in 2016.
Milford Regional Physician Group Medical Director Dr. Liz Siraco Wins Award
Mass General Brigham recently recognized Milford Regional Physician Group (MRPG) Medical Director Elizabeth Siraco, MD, for her outstanding leadership in primary care. Dr. Siraco, selected among 100 nominations, was recognized by her colleagues as a superior visionary and exceptional team member. Dr. Siraco has practiced family medicine for the last 25 years – all within the Milford Regional Healthcare System. As MRPG’s Medical Director for the past six years, she has successfully and courageously led the group through not only day-to-day patient care issues, but also a number of significant challenges, including Epic (electronic medical record) implementation and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to her Medical Director role, Dr. Siraco continues to provide direct patient care through her practice at Blackstone Valley Family Physicians in Northbridge. According to Pat McSweeney, MD, President, MRPG, Dr. Siraco’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was exceptional. He shared, “Dr. Siraco served as a conduit of information for our providers, staff and patients. She worked in tandem with our Infectious Disease providers to continuously revise the system’s employee health guidelines and provide up-to-date information regarding treatment, testing, and immunization protocols and availability. Dr. Siraco worked tirelessly throughout this extremely difficult time to be sure MRPG was well poised to deliver quality care to our patients while keeping them and one another safe.”
New Senior Administrators Join Milford Regional Team
Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Finance Beth Cadle joined Milford Regional in fall of 2021 and Vice President for Public Relations, Marketing and Communications Tricia Oliver joined Milford Regional in January 2022. Cadle most recently served as Director of Finance for the anesthesia physician practice at Boston Children’s Hospital. Over her 30 years in accounting and financial management, Cadle also served as Controller at Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston and Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro.
Oliver joined Milford Regional following her work as Chief of Staff and Director of Campus Communication at Westfield State University in Western Massachusetts. Prior to that, she served in communication leadership roles at Ana Maria College in Paxton, and the Massachusetts Bar Association. She began her career in healthcare communications at both Morton Hospital and Medical Center in Taunton and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
New Faces on Hospital and Foundation Boards
At the Annual Meeting of the Corporation in January 2022, the additions of Christopher D. Foley, Mary J. O’Neill, MD and John V. Fernandes to the Milford Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees were announced. In addition, Dr. Diana Caragacianu joined the board, mid-term 2021.
Foley is currently the president of Unibank and has served in executive roles in banking for more than 20 years. Dr. O’Neill has worked for Milford Regional Medical Center since 2010 and currently serves as the Associate Director of the Emergency Department. Fernandes is currently an attorney and a government relations policy advisor who served as a Massachusetts State Representative from 2007 to 2016, representing the Tenth Worcester District, including Hopedale, Mendon, Milford and Medway. Dr. Diana Caragacianu is the medical director of the Breast Center at Milford Regional. Prior to joining Milford Regional in 2019, Dr. Caragacianu served as a breast and endocrine surgeon at Georgetown University Hospital.
The Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation also announced the addition of Karen Savage to their board in January of 2022 and, in June, Julie Kehoe was named vice chair. Savage is the former vice president and Milford Site Head at Rentschler Biopharma and has more than 20 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Massachusetts. Kehoe first engaged with the Foundation as a corporator in 2019 and joined its board in 2021. She is a realtor for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate, working out of the Milford branch office.
Milford Regional Welcomes New Physicians
Financial Statement
Leadership
Leadership
Milford Regional Medical Center is a not-for-profit healthcare organization that is governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees which includes representatives of the communities we serve. The Board, which holds a fiduciary responsibility for the integrity, financial health and quality of care at Milford Regional, works closely with Milford Regional’s senior leadership team and Medical Staff to develop the Medical Center’s overall strategic direction to ensure its fiscal stability and to monitor the quality of care and services provided throughout the system. The trustees volunteer their time and expertise, and support the Medical Center’s mission of providing exceptional healthcare services to our community with dignity, compassion and respect.
Milford Regional Medical Center and Milford Regional Physician Group
2022 Board of Trustees
OFFICERS
Laura A. Mann – Chair
Anthony M. Consigli – Vice Chair
Brian J. Earley – Clerk
Gordon A. Lewis – Treasurer
TRUSTEES
Vascen J. Bogigian; Denise H. Brookhouse; Diana Caragacianu, MD; Richard J. Daly, MD; Shefali Desai; Jamie E. Doucette; John Fernandes, Esq.; Christopher Foley; Linda Mancini, Esq.; William G. Muller, MD; Mary O’Neill, MD; Beverly A. Swymer
TRUSTEE EMERITUS
John J. Burns; William G. Burrill and The Honorable Francis J. Larkin
2022 Medical Staff Leadership
The elected President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer and Immediate Past President of the
Medical Staff shall serve as the liaison officers to the Board of Trustees.
Jeanne M. McCoy, MD – President
Abigail M. Childs, MD – Immediate Past President
Theresa Arpin, MD – Vice-President/MEC Chair
Matthew McCauley, DO – Secretary/Treasurer
Staff Leadership
Milford Regional Medical Center’s senior leadership team in collaboration with the Medical
Staff and working with staff throughout the organization ensures the successful implementation
of Milford Regional Medical Center’s strategic plan and provides oversight for the day-to-day
operations at the Medical Center.
Edward J. Kelly – President & Chief Executive Officer, Milford Regional Medical Center
Patrick R. McSweeney, MD – President, Milford Regional Physician Group
Peter B. Smulowitz, MD, MPH – Chief Medical Officer
Nicole A. Thyne – Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Beth Cadle – Vice President of Finance & Chief Financial Officer
Judy M. Kelly, MHA, BSN, RN – Vice President of Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer
Bert A. Thurlo-Walsh – Chief Quality Officer & Vice President
Alice D. Hall – Vice President of Human Resources
Emily J. Quinn – Vice President of Philanthropy & Executive Director
Tricia M. Oliver – Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation
2022 Board of Trustees
The Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation manages the fundraising and event that in addition
to generating income, creates a philanthropic culture in support of Milford Regional and the 20-
plus towns it services. The Foundation strives to make a difference in the health of our
community.
OFFICERS
Shefali Desai – Chair
Julie A. Burgey Kehoe – Vice Chair
Bill Fredericks – Clerk
TRUSTEES
Mark A. Abate; Vascen J. Bogigian ; Christina W. Brabazon; Vanessa E. Burrill; Alberto A. Correia; Robert P. DeVita; Thomas J. Evans, MD; Matthew R. Fisher; Christopher D. Foley; Tony Khoury; Scott Lerner; Kevin W. Lobisser; William G. Muller, MD; Jeffrey D. Nutting; John Peters III; Lynn Tokarczyk
This annual report is a publication of the Milford Regional Public Relations, Marketing and Communications Department.