The Georgia Scroll
April 1998
Most middle-agers dread the spread that comes with the territory. At Hutcheson Medical Center, which turns forty-five this year, the spread of middle age has been the mark of a phenomenally successful year in 1997 that continues into fiscal year 1998. "We are entering our golden era", stated Dr. Robert T. Jones, CEO of Hutcheson, "and we have never been in a better position to grow than we are today".
Hutcheson was named Georgia’s, ‘Hospital of the Year’ by the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals in September 1997, and in that same time period, took advantage of interest rates in the market place and refinanced their outstanding bonded indebtedness. This allowed Hutcheson to pay off a portion of the principal and reduce debt service by approximately $900,000 per year for the remaining life of the bonds (approximately fifteen years).
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Rick Rhew stated, "In today’s managed care environment, it is imperative to reduce all expenses, both operational and overhead. We were very fortunate to be able to take advantage of low interest rates and reduce the interest paid on our outstanding debt by approximately two percent."
The issues that confront all of the providers in the State affect Hutcheson as well. "We have been extremely proud of the fact that we are one of the lowest cost providers in the state", stated Dr. Jones. He attributes this to good financial management and an exceptionally strong and involved board. "I guess the unusual combination of being a low cost provider and yet a fiscally sound institution is what has gained Hutcheson a lot of positive attention recently. However, we must always stay aware of the fact that we are an indigent care facility, and we watch very closely the happenings both of the state and federal levels", explained Dr. Jones.
Hutcheson’s recognition as Georgia’s "Hospital of the Year" in 1997 was brought on in large part by the system’s recent aggressive outreach programs and services into the community. Hutcheson serves the counties of Walker, Catoosa and Dade in the northwest corner of the state, a service area that approximates 800 square miles. The hospital’s Foundation raised funds in the community and among its 1,400 employees to purchase a mobile wellness van that has served over 3,000 people in the last year.
In addition, Hutcheson has three family practice centers and has recently broken ground on a multi-phase project in LaFayette, Georgia that will house several private practice offices as well as an after hours urgent care facility. Hutcheson also purchased several acres of land on a rapidly developing corridor in Catoosa County in 1997 to expand services to a high population growth area. This site will be the location of a wellness center, and other projects that are still on the drawing board.
As a healthcare system, Hutcheson’s services include inpatient and outpatient services, skilled nursing, home health, hospice, rehabilitation, long term care, sports medicine, and school heath programs. The unique and fast growing geographic location makes Hutcheson’s future position in the market enviable.
Dr. Jones is ready for the next five years, "We have had a tremendous year in 1997 and are poised to become extremely strong as we move toward our 50th Anniversary. This is the ‘golden era’ that I like to refer to. I have the best staff in the State, and I would put my board members against any hospital’s anywhere. How can you not thrive with a combination like that?" he asks with a smile.
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Last modified: June 22, 2001