November 2020
A FOUNDATION OF SUPPORT MOVING BEYOND THE PANDEMIC
It has been said that when everything is uncertain, everything that is important becomes clear. During these unsettling times, I have never been more proud of Excela Health, our 4,300 doctors, nurses and support staff for their insights, instincts and clarity of thought. Our response to the COVID pandemic has been nothing short of remarkable. The System’s tangible reaction required implementing new protocols and procedures regarding patient care and staff and visitor safety in all aspects of our operations. Virtually on the fly. It required supply chain management and logistics that were daunting at best as the disease swept the nation and taxed providers’ capabilities to the extreme. Yet most of all, it required the intangibles of courage and commitment, a dedication to the tasks at hand and a tenacity of purpose that is the hallmark of the American healthcare professional, especially in times of crisis and trial. Westmoreland County residents were, and continue to be, well served by the dedication and resolve of our personnel at every level of our organization. We have learned much about the virus – and ourselves – since the advent of the pandemic last March. And we will continue to evolve and persevere as the battle continues. Yet our evolution cannot be limited to a singular challenge. We have a profound obligation to continue to strengthen ourselves as the premier provider of tertiary care in our service area. We are doing just that across a spectrum of clinical areas.
For example, our cardiovascular and thoracic surgery program is seeing robust growth in terms of the quality of its medical staff and its procedural and technologic capabilities. It now contains clinicians who have been educated and trained at the country’s most prestigious medical schools, residencies and fellowship programs. It includes those who have practiced at highly accomplished institutions, both nationally and internationally. The best and the brightest continue to gravitate to Excela. While the pandemic, coupled with the challenges inherent to our industry, remain as demanding issues to be addressed, I am confident that we will get through them as a more nimble, more accomplished and more formidable healthcare system in our region. We will look back with great pride. And we will look forward with great confidence. Your support, and that of the community at large, is part of the bedrock upon which our success is built, now and in the future. In the pages that follow, you will see how the largesse of individuals, companies and organizations have helped to sustain our mission. How they have made a marked difference in the lives of people. How they have made Excela Health a place of healing and hope. In that, you should find great satisfaction and take great pride. Thank you for your belief in us. And for your support of us. It is a most gratifying tandem. Sincerely,
John M. Sphon, CEO, Excela Health
A Publication of: The Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation and Westmoreland/Frick Hospital Foundation