Bassett chief reflects on a busy first year at helm

[Editor’s note: We invited Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bassett Healthcare Network, to reflect on his first year at the helm of our regional healthcare facilities. He provided to The Freeman’s Journal and Hometown Oneonta the following as a first-person, open letter to the communities the network serves.]

Dear Friends, Neighbors and Colleagues,

By many measures, 2021 was challenging and transformative for our community and Bassett Healthcare Network. When I began my tenure as President and CEO of Bassett, we were in the early stages of a pandemic that we hoped would last weeks or months, but became the largest global pandemic in a century. This crisis has been daunting and has tested our resolve in ways we could not have imagined. Through it all, our caregivers and practitioners did what they do best — cared selflessly for our patients and community.

Though Covid-19 has certainly been the headline of the last year and a half, it is not the whole story, especially not here at Bassett.

Over the last year, our leaders have focused on strengthening our network’s foundation, improving patient care, and ensuring that Bassett remains an independent health system serving our communities for decades to come. I have high aspirations for our network that continue to build on the beautiful legacy of excellent care Bassett and its caregivers and practitioners have provided for generations. We strive to be an example of outstanding rural care and employer of choice — a source of pride for our employees, our region, and beyond.

This year, we made significant progress toward becoming an integrated health delivery system, operating as one unified network rather than as loosely affiliated hospitals, clinics, offices, and services. We have developed, for the first time, a single network-wide strategic plan that strengthens core operations and positions Bassett for a promising future. We are also creating standards across the system, sharing best practices, and benefiting from increased efficiencies.

I have said many times that our people are Bassett’s most important asset. This year, we invested significantly in our workforce. Bassett raised the minimum wage for all employees, offered bonuses, and we are currently analyzing compensation and benefits across the network. We are taking important steps to address workplace safety and to be leaders in diversity, equity, and inclusion. I’m especially proud of our efforts to combat clinician burnout, which were recognized nationally by the American Medical Association.

While some of the important internal changes we have made to improve communications, decision-making and employee engagement may not be immediately visible to our patients, they make a major difference in the way that we provide safe, quality, affordable care. We are already seeing positive results, with reductions in hospital acquired conditions and improvements in other safety and quality measures.

For the first time in several years, we have balanced our budget. This financial stability makes it possible for us to once again re-invest in our health system, employees, and community. We have plans to add services, increase access, upgrade infrastructure, improve our facilities, and foster innovation and growth. This all brings care closer to home – and even into your home – with state-of-the-art virtual medicine and telehealth technology.

While many health systems our size have merged or been acquired by major health care organizations, Bassett is committed to remaining independent. I firmly believe that protecting the character and independence of our organization is critically important to guaranteeing our patients receive the very best care. To do this, we have had to radically rethink how we operate. This means seeking out strategic partners to work alongside us as we serve our community and deliver on our mission. In 2021, this included entering into a new and innovative relationship with OptumInsight, committing to collaboration with Masonic Medical Research Institute, and strengthening our longstanding partnership with Columbia University, among others.

What does this mean, practically, for our community?

Simply, we intend to provide you with best-in-class, advanced, accessible, and comprehensive medical care. At Bassett, your experience should be second to none. Our investment in innovative tools and technologies will improve your access to our world-class caregivers and practitioners. You will have more digital and telehealth options to receive care when and how you need it. And we are investing in much needed community benefit programs to increase the health and wellness of the community at large.

While we continue to celebrate our many successes, we also acknowledge there is still much work to be done. Bassett, like all health care providers, continues to face many difficulties, but we are up to the challenge.

Our vision is to be a model of excellence in health care, honor our history and legacy, and ensure that Bassett is a source of pride and health for our communities. Organizations such as Mayo Clinic, Geisinger, and Marshfield Clinic, like Bassett, have rural roots. I see no reason why Bassett could not hold a similar position as a national center of health care excellence and innovation.
On a final note, I need to say thank you.

Yes, I lead Bassett, but I am also a neighbor and community member. When my family and I arrived in Cooperstown, we were welcomed with open arms and hearts. And through the numerous challenges, changes, and ongoing transformation, I am grateful for your support, for me personally, and for Bassett’s mission. I am touched by how warm and wonderful this community is and thankful to be raising my kids with neighbors like you.

The future at Bassett is bright. On behalf of our Board of Directors and every Bassett employee, I wish you health and happiness always, and a wonderful holiday season.

Tommy Ibrahim, MD, MHA
President & CEO
Bassett Healthcare Network