Athol Memorial Hospital is a not-for-profit acute care and outpatient

community hospital serving the North Quabbin region of Massachusetts.

It is designated as a Critical Access Hospital and Primary Stroke Center,

licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and accredited by the Joint

Commission. Our service area includes the nine towns of Athol, Erving, New Salem,

Orange, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Warwick, and Wendell. The hospital opened

its doors on September 10, 1950 through determined efforts by community and

business leaders to establish a local hospital facility.

The hospital is governed by a local Board of Trustees who generously give their time,

energy and expertise to oversee fiscal operations and hospital policy. Leadership is the

responsibility of the Governing Body, the President/Chief Executive Officer, Chief

Financial Officer, Chief Nursing Officer, President of the Medical Staff, Chiefs of

Services, and Department Directors and Managers.

Athol Memorial Hospital’s mission, as reaffirmed by the Board of Trustees on April 23,

2009, is to participate in the creation of healthier lives within the community; provide

healthcare services that contribute to the physical, psychological, social and spiritual well

being of the patient in the community that it serves; provide healthcare services in a

fiscally responsible manner that ensures sufficient return for continued operations;

collaborate with medical staff to determine long-range strategic goals which increase

quality services for the community; provide healthcare in the spirit of equality and

serving all regardless of age, color, creed or gender.

3

Dear friend,

Athol Memorial Hospital is where neighbors take care of neighbors. We have

the privilege of taking care of people who live down the block, or who grew up

with our parents, or coach our children. The lives we touch today are those we

will meet next week at the grocery store or post office or ballgame. This is what

makes us a community hospital. It is heartwarming to read through the patient

satisfaction surveys and see how grateful our patients are, not just for the clinical

services they received, but for the kindness in their caregivers’ eyes or a reassuring

hand on their shoulder.

We offer a wide range of services and up-to-date medical technologies and are

continually looking for ways to better serve your healthcare needs. In recent

years we have achieved Critical Access Hospital status and earned designation

as a Primary Stroke Service, with state-of-the-art tele-neurology diagnostics.

We are working toward even greater improvements with the hoped for addition

of our new Emergency Services Department and other hospital renovations.

I invite you to take a look through the following pages for a glimpse of who we

are and some of the many things we do. We look forward to taking care of you.

Sincerely,

Steve Penka, FACHEPresident and CEO

Steve Penka, FACHEPresident and CEO

Board of Trustees

James W. Meehan, Jr., Chairman

William Meehan, Vice Chairman

Mohsen Noreldin, MD, 2nd Vice Chairman

Laurey Kenerson, Clerk

Rebecca Bialecki

Pauline Briggs

Robin Brooks

Cheney Castine

Lawrence Estelle, Jr.

Danilo Funa, MD

Robert Knight, MD

Janet Kraft

Roy Lake

Wayne Miller, MD

Donald Mruk, MD

Curtis Rand

Timothy Soule-Regine, MD

David G. Spackman

Douglas A. Starrett

Yogendra Thaker, MD

Steven Penka, President/CEO, Ex-Officio

Dean Fleming, Treasurer/CFO, Ex-Officio

Lucille Songer, CNO, Ex-Officio

• Not-for-profit 25 bed acute care hospital

• Critical Access Hospital(achieved in 2005)

• Primary Stroke Service(certified in 2006)

• Licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health

• Accredited by the Joint Commission

• Clinical Laboratory accredited by COLA

• Ultrasound andDigital Mammography accredited by the American College of Radiology

Please contact Athol Memorial Hospital Community Relationsat 978 249-1143 for a comprehensive guide of our services

or visit our website at www.atholhospital.org.

54

Many of our patients experience the hospital for the first time

through a visit to the Emergency Services Department. Some of

our patients, now grandparents or great-grandparents, remember

coming here as children. For close to sixty years we have been

treating life-threatening emergencies and mending broken bones.

We are here 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, ready to take care

of you and your family in medical emergencies. Our highly

qualified staff of nurses and emergency physicians are trained and

certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and

Neonatal Advanced Life Support. We are designated as a Primary

Stroke Center, with around the clock access to neurologists via

telemedicine, with the ability to diagnose and treat strokes within the

critical window of time for optimum recovery.

Last year we took care of over 11,000 patient visits to the Emergency

Room. Most of the patients coming into Emergency Services are

treated right here and able to return home within a few hours. Some

patients are admitted to the hospital for further care. Then there are times when our

most important role is to stabilize the patient, as in cases of severe trauma or cardiac arrest, and transport them to a tertiary care

facility. When this happens, the Lifeflight helicopter takes the patient directly from the landing pad, in our backyard and steps away

from the Emergency Department, to a center for specialty care. Patients who need the support of a Level One Trauma Center can be

there in less than fifteen minutes.

Our staff consistentlyreceives praises

from patients for their kind, compassionate,

and professional care.Our Emergency Services

Department responds to over 2,000 telephone

calls a year from Lifeline subscribers in

the community, sendinghelp when needed.

6

Athol Memorial Hospital’s nursing staff takes

care of patients in many areas of the hospital

including Emergency Services, Medical/Surgical

Services, the Intensive Care Unit, the Short Stay Unit, and

the Oncology Clinic. Nursing Services also extend to care

and education in the community.

Our nurses are continually learning new skills and treatment

modalities to enhance patient care. This competent and

dedicated nursing staff, close to 90 in number, enjoys

working in our familiar “neighbor caring for neighbor”

atmosphere and this underlies our low staff turnover

and high patient satisfaction rates. Here at Athol

Memorial Hospital our patients experience very

favorable nurse to patient ratios and a optimum level

of “hands on” quality care.

Athol Memorial Hospital is recognized by our patients, accreditation and licensing agencies as

providing high quality care. Responses on hospital-wide surveys consistently reflect more

than 90% very satisfied and satisfied ratings. In separate *Hospital Consumer Assessment of

Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) surveys, distributed after inpatient care, our patient satisfaction numbers are higher

than state and national averages.

The hospital participates in federal and state quality care programs. We were included in the Institute for Healthcare Improvement

“100,000 Lives” and “5,000,000 Lives” campaigns. As part of The Joint Commission’s “Speak Up” campaign, we encourage our

patients to ask providers questions about their care. We continuously monitor quality and implement National Safety Goals as

they are issued.

Athol Memorial Hospital takes part in “Patients First,” the Massachusetts Hospital Association’s program for nursing related safe and

quality care. And we have been specially recognized by **Masspro, the state’s quality improvement agency, for our commitment

in the voluntary reporting of our performance data.

Athol Memorial Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission and licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Health.

The clinical laboratory is accredited by COLA. The digital mammography and ultrasound programs are accredited by the American

College of Radiology.

*These categories include communication with nurses, responsiveness of staff, pain management, communication about medicines,

cleanliness of hospital, quietness of hospital, discharge information, overall rating of hospital, and willingness to recommend the

hospital. Results are available on the “Hospital Compare” website.

** designated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Quality Care

…said nursescommunicated well

…said painwas controlled

…gave an overallfavorable rating

…said roomwas clean

…wouldrecommendour hospital

…said doctorscommunicated well

How We Rate…Athol Memorial Hospital Patient response to HCAHPS surveys

(4th Quarter ’07 to 3rd quarter ’08)

7

The hospital’s state-of-the-art PACS (Picture Archiving and

Communication System) allows us to digitally capture, store, and transmit

images and reports without the use of film. PACS hastens the retrieval and

transport of exam results, which can be delivered electronically to a

physician or downloaded to a CD and given to the patient.

Athol Memorial Hospital maintains both an on-site laboratory and an off-

site draw station. Our laboratory accepts all physicians’ orders and has a

walk-in policy for outpatient convenience. Our phlebotomists treat

patients with skill and compassion. We have the capability and technology

to perform most analyses on-site and deliver fast results to minimize

waiting time and prevent unnecessary delays in treatment.

9

Athol Memorial Hospital offers a wide range of diagnostic

services you might not expect to find in a small, community

hospital. Our Radiology Services Department, one of the

hospital’s busiest, provides x-ray, ultrasound, and fluoroscopy exams.

Other diagnostic technologies include an on-site MRI (Magnetic

Resonance Imaging) unit, the latest Brightspeed 16 slice spiral CT

scanner, bone density scanner, and nuclear medicine imaging.

Digital Mammography is our newest diagnostic

capability. All routine screening mammograms are

performed using a “Mammopad,” provided

individually to each patient, for a softer mammography

experience. Our mammography technicians are

specially trained to lessen the anxiety and discomfort

some women experience with this exam.

8

11

Patient comfort is a critical component of

The Sleep Center at Athol Memorial

Hospital. Here we offer state-of-the-art

diagnostics in a hotel-like environment. The well-

appointed rooms are spacious and comfortable.

Each room has a private bath and other amenities,

to help the patient feel at ease during their study.

The Sleep Center conducts testing for sleep apnea,

snoring, narcolepsy, excessive daytime sleepiness,

restless leg syndrome, and other sleep disorders.

Most health insurances will cover the cost of the

study and referrals from local and out of the area

physician are accepted. Studies are available

Monday through Friday.

The Sleep Center is run under the direction of a

Pulmonary Medicine Specialty physician with

advanced training in the field of Sleep Medicine.

Athol Memorial Hospital offers many procedures your physician might

order to determine why you have a problem with your heart or your

breathing. All of these tests are done right here at the hospital.

Our Cardio-Pulmonary Services Department provides EKG’s, Holter monitoring,

echocardiograms, stress tests, and nuclear stress tests to assess your cardiac health.

Tests for pulmonary and respiratory problems include pulmonary function tests

and broncho-provocation tests. We can help evaluate the efficacy of medications

you are taking for respiratory conditions or guide you in lifestyle changes that

might help you improve.

Respiratory therapists from this department staff the hospital 24 hours a day to

assist our inpatients and Emergency patients who are having trouble breathing.

These therapists are certified to administering medication or ventilators at the

bedside, as prescribed by the physician, to help the patient breathe easier.

10

1312

Athol Memorial Hospital engages local students through a variety

of workforce development initiatives. The hospital provides a job

shadow and internship experiences for individuals exploring

healthcare careers and actively supports those already pursuing

education in a clinical healthcare field. The Healthcare

Scholarship Program awards scholarships to qualifying residents

of our nine-town service area, who are enrolled in healthcare degree

programs. Since the program began in 2006 the hospital has awarded

a total $39,750.00 in scholarships.

Emergency Preparedness

is another community-

focused effort. Athol

Memorial Hospital holds

quarterly meetings with

representatives from

regional towns. The

group, which includes

town administrators, health agents, police and fire department officials,

paramedics, and hospital staff, began meeting in 2004 to develop a cohesive

strategy for responding to disasters in the community. Training exercises

focusing on alternate care sites, mass decontamination, pandemic flu, and

other emergencies are held regularly.

This spirit of community is inherent in Athol Memorial Hospital’s

mission and “participating in creating healthier lives in the

community” provides the framework for our outreach activities. In

FY 2008 alone Athol Memorial Hospital contributed almost 6,500 hours of

time, beyond our direct scope of services, to efforts in and for the community.

Athol Memorial Hospital

serves the community throughout the year, in ways large and small, to fulfill this

mission. Health and wellness education is a major component of our Community

Benefits activities. This includes “Brown Bag” medication check-ups, educational

programs in schools, workshops at community centers, and CPR trainings. We

helped sponsor the “Healthy Smiles” Dental Fair, to assist area residents in

accessing needed care,

and again partnered

with other local agencies on the annual Food-a-thon. Every year the

hospital holds a series of flu and blood pressure clinics and assists with

numerous health and safety events. Additionally, this past year the hospital

launched two new wellness programs; the “Women’s Health and Wellness

Forum” in October and “Safe and Health Living” in April.

Support Groups are free and open to the public:

• ACOA AlAnon

• AlAnon

• ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)

• Bereavement

• Cancer

• Diabetes

• Multiple Sclerosis

• SMART Recovery

• Smoking Cessation

• Wellness Wednesdays

Call 978 249-1143 for more information.

1514

Athol Memorial Hospital’s Rehabilitation Services

Department assists those who are recovering from an

injury or surgery. We also help those impaired by stroke

reclaim function and those coping with chronic pain or illness

improve mobility. These services are available to persons all ages and

generally provided on an outpatient basis. The staff also evaluates

inpatients, upon the physician’s request, to determine if and what

type of therapy would be beneficial.

Physical Therapy helps the patient gain strength, balance and endurance. It is also used to improve gross motor skills and

coordination, condition muscles, and increase range of motion. Benefits of physical therapy include reduced muscle spasms,

decreased pain, and lessened edema (swelling).

Occupational Therapy teaches adaptive techniques for self-care and the activities of daily living to patients recovering from a

stroke or injury. Patients learn the skills to help them compensate for a condition or illness that affects their quality of life.

Speech Therapy is used for the evaluation and treatment of communication disorders. The therapist can assess structural as

well as functional impairment, including swallowing problems and then works with the patient to overcome these difficulties.

Speech therapy also provides cognitive training or retraining in the treatment of some disorders.

Athol Memorial Hospital’s Rehabilitation Services Department offers a wide range of additional services including, but not

limited to, aquatic therapy, continence exercises, custom bracing and splinting, hand therapy, kineseotaping, vestibular

rehabilitation, wheelchair clinics, and massage therapy.

Athol Memorial Hospital’s

Hematology/Oncology Clinic

opened in 1985 so patients

dealing with cancer or blood disorders

would have a local treatment option. We

provide total care for patients as well as

coordinate with out-of-area physicians to

fulfill treatment regimens. All of our

patients will find great support in addition

to highly specialized care as our multi-

disciplinary team takes a “whole person”

approach to caring for the patient.

Our staff physician is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Oncology. Nurses are certified in the administration of

chemotherapy and knowledgeable about dealing with side effects. The Dietitian guides patients with nutrition choices and our Social

Worker helps address the concerns of coping with treatment. Our Pharmacy Department works in tandem with the physician to

deliver the most current drug therapies, while our volunteers provide assistance and emotional support. The administrative secretary

arranges follow up appointments on behalf of the patient for office visits, further procedures or referrals to outside services.

Our orthopedic surgeons commonly perform shoulder and

knee surgery and total hip and knee replacements. We also

replace pacemakers, do cataract surgery, vascular procedures,

urology and gynecology surgery and foot surgery. All of our

surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other surgical staff are

committed to providing the highest quality care.

17

Athol Memorial Hospital offers highly individual care by board certified surgeons to treat a variety of medical

conditions. The hospital has a Short Stay unit for day surgery and an inpatient unit for overnight post-operative

care. We provide many types of major and minor, general and specialty, routine and emergency procedures in a

community hospital setting.

Here you will find state-of-the-art technology combined with skillful and attentive care. We do minimally invasive

laparoscopic appendectomies and gall bladder surgery and arthroscopic shoulder and knee procedures. We use non-invasive

laser treatment for taking care of kidney stones. Our high definition endoscopy procedures provide the most accurate

imaging possible for this type of exam.

16

Here you will find state-of-the-arttechnology combined with skillful and attentive care.

cheerful and comforting

a good hospital experience

September 2, 2009

Steve Penka, FACHE

President and CEO

Athol Memorial Hospital

Dear Steve,

Several months ago, I wrote to you about my family's tremendous experience

with AMH during my father's battle with cancer last year.

Last Thursday morning, I found myself in your Emergency Deparment with

severe stomach pains. After some testing, I was informed that I would need

surgery right away for appendicitis; I never hesitated for a moment about

having it done right here.

I was immediately whisked off into surgery and instead of being frightened, I

was comforted by the fact that I would get a chance to see my good friends up

on the 2nd floor who took such good care of my dad.

Upon my arrival to my room, I was greeted by many of the same faces I had

come to know so well last year - some just stopping in because they heard I was

there and many taking the time to ask about me and my family since our loss.

Being back in the hospital brought back some painful memories for me, but

also brought me some peace. I now know from a completely different

perspective just how well my father was taken care of. In fact, I would have

been perfectly happy to stay another night, but they did such a great job of

getting me up and around after my surgery that it wasn't necessary!

What can I say that I haven't already said? Once again the staff at Athol

Memorial Hospital didn't disappoint! I would like to thank Dr. Doyle and

Jacinta (and the rest of the staff) in ER; Renee, Val & Jean in the Lab; the

radiology technician who performed my CT scan (whose name I

unfortunately didn't get); Food Services; Dr. Sprague, Dr. Wu and the

wonderful nurses in the OR and of course, last but not least, all of those very

special 2nd Floor nurses, aides and staff, who made me feel like I was the only

patient there. (I am certain that the other patients felt equally as special!)

Sincerely,

Amy Putnam - Athol, Ma

this community is fortunate

outstanding

“proud you are

my hospital”

exceptionally professional

very caring and compassionate kind & efficient

“great outpatient

care”

“gentle and

patient”

19

The Athol Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, whose mission is to provide care and

comfort equipment for our patients, was established in 1955. Each year they

hold numerous fundraisers, such as the River Rat Pancake Breakfast, Plant Sale

and Fair, and Lotto Calendar, for this purpose.

Contributions from the Auxiliary, just during the

past five years, amount to more that $175,000.

This includes items such as wheelchairs, infusion

pumps, and surgical equipment. Although it is

not possible to include a list of all their donations,

the Auxiliary’s generosity has touched the lives of

many patients and every clinical department

within the hospital.

Our volunteers are found throughout the hospital. They work in

the Auxiliary’s Glass Shelf Gift Shop and help up on the floor in the

Oncology Clinic to keep things running smoothly. They give of

their time and energy and heart only for the satisfaction of assisting

our staff or to put a smile on a patient’s face.

Auxiliary &Volunteers

Athol Memorial Hospital isfortunate to have a very

dedicated group ofAuxiliary members and

other volunteers.

Please contact Athol Memorial Hospital’s Auxiliary Liaison and Volunteer Coordinator at 978 249-1145 about the Auxiliary or other volunteer opportunities.

18

Comments FromOur Patients

2120

Type of service FY 2008 FY2007

Patient admissions 1,018 996

Patient discharges 1,006 997

Patient days 3,298 3,174

Total major and minorOR procedures 2,037 2,005

Day surgery andShort Stay procedures 4,049 4,163

Outpatient visits 41,756 38,368

X-ray exams 28,695 26,674

Mammography exams 2,290 2,130

Ultrasound exams 3,011 2,760

CT scans 4,979 4,653

Laboratory tests 348,855 321,974

Respiratory therapy tests and treatments 10,150 9,945

Emergency visits 11,320 10,886

Sleep Studies 348 314

Oncology clinic visits 1,960 1,993

Specialty Services

• Anesthesiology

• Orthopedic Surgery

• Cardiology

• Otolaryngology

• Dermatology

• Podiatry

• Emergency Medicine

• Psychiatry

• Hematology/Oncology

• Pulmonology

• Nephrology

• Radiology

• Neurology

• Rheumatology

• Obstetrics/Gynecology

• Surgery

• Ophthalmology

• Urology

Statistics

2008 2007

Unrestricted revenue, gains, and other supportNet patient service revenue $ 22,048,811 $ 20,108,762Other operating revenue 468,402 466,629Donations 49,665 37,775Net assetsreleased from restrictions 38,303 99,881

Total revenue, gains, and other support 22,606,181 20,713,047

ExpensesSalaries and benefits 12,845,513 11,427,643Supplies and expenses 7,853,140 7,442,394Depreciation and amortization 530,666 537,399Interest 61,458 48,849Provision for bad debts 1,109,516 1,038,309

Total Expenses 22,400,293 20,494,639

Operating income 204,888 218,408

Interest Income 52,924 33,011

Increase in unrestricted net assets 257,812 251,419

Statement of OperationsYears Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

Financials

22

Athol Memorial Hospital is planning for the future of the

facility and the community. Included in these plans is a

building expansion to accommodate a new Emergency

Services Department and renovations to the existing building to

improve access, patient flow, and privacy. Our existing Emergency

Services Department offers highly competent staff and state-of-the-art

technology, housed in an outdated and undersized environment. The

new addition, located adjacent to the northeast corner of the hospital,

will provide the necessary space to meet contemporary Emergency

Services Department building standards. It will include ample space

for triage, registration, and comfortable waiting areas.

Renovations to the existing hospital building will consist

of a handicapped accessible front entrance with drive through portico

and weatherproof vestibule. Outpatient services will be relocated and

centralized for optimum convenience

and privacy for our patients. The

improvements will include a new lobby

and central registration area, laboratory

blood draw station, and medical records

office, all accessible through a dedicated

outpatient entrance.

Looking to the Future

Please contact Community Relationsat 978 249-1143 for information

about any of our services.

Athol Memorial Hospital2033 Main Street

Athol, MA 01331Main number - 978 249-3511

www.atholhospital.org

Osama Al-Masri, MD • Orthopedics/Orthopedic Surgery

Robert Austin, MD • Ophthalmology

Robert Averill, MD • Dermatology

Michael Azzoni, MD • Orthopedics/Orthopedic Surgery

Fadi Baladi, MD • Internal Medicine

Bruce Bertrand, MD • Radiology

Jeffrey Blake, MD • Obstetrics/Gynecology

Paul J. Block, MD • Cardiology

John R. Bogdasarian, MD • Otolaryngology

Peter Brassard, MD • Orthopedics/Orthopedic Surgery

Andrea Damour, MD • Obstetrics/Gynecology

Gene Del Rosario, MD • Internal Medicine

Bradley Denker, MD • Nephrology

David Doyle, MD • Emergency Medicine

Daniel Ervin, DO • Otolaryngology

David Fabian, MD • Orthopedics/Orthopedic Surgery

Adekunle G. Fajana, MD • Emergency Medicine

Lourdes Flaminiano, MD • Internal Medicine/Pulmonology

Danilo Funa, MD • Internal Medicine

Fotios Ganias, MD • Ophthalmology

Richard Genovese, DPM • Podiatry

Fayaiz Hakim, MD • Emergency Medicine

John E. Harrington, MD • Family Medicine

David N. Havlin, MD • Family Medicine

Stefan Karos, MD • Urology

Saleem Khanani, MD • Hematology/Oncology

George Krasowski, MD • Surgery

Noreen Lasalle-Green, MD • Radiology

Shipen Li, MD • Nephrology

C. Joseph Mathew, MD • Family Medicine/Pediatrics

Felicidad Melquiades, MD • Internal Medicine

Jeffrey Moser, DPM • Podiatry

David Mount, MD • Nephrology

Donald Mruk, MD • Family Medicine

Mohsen Noreldin, MD, MPH • Internal Medicine/Pulmonology

Paul O Braonain, MD • Family Medicine/Obstetrics

Robert Perry, MD • Family Medicine

Faith Monique Pinkerton, MD • Emergency Medicine

Susan Quinty, DO • Emergency Medicine

Manganallur Radhakrishnan, MD • Anesthesiology

Ellen M. Ray, MD • Emergency Medicine

Michael Reeves, MD • Family Medicine/Obstetrics

Michael A. Reynolds, MD • Emergency Medicine

Paul Sabel, MD • Radiology

Lalit Savla, MD • Neurology/Psychiatry

Jordan E. Scott, MD • Allergy/Immunology

Robert B. Shepherd, DO • Emergency Medicine

Michael Shih, MD • Nephrology

Jang B. Singh, MD • Cardiology

Birendra K. Sinha, MD • Emergency Medicine

John Skrzypczak, MD • Emergency Medicine

Karl Sorenson, MD • Surgery

Timothy Soule-Regine, MD • Family Medicine/Obstetrics

Robert L. Spangler, MD • Emergency Medicine/Infectious Disease

Robert Sprague, MD • Anesthesiology

Michael S. Stauder, MD • Cardiology

David S. Tarr, DPM • Podiatry

Robert Terlato, MD • Cardiology

Yogendra K. Thaker, MD • Pediatrics

Thomas Ukena, MD • Pathology

Kirana Malin Weeratne, MD • Emergency Medicine

Anne-Katrin Weischedel, MD • Family Medicine/Obstetrics

Peter Wilson, MD • Cardiology

Gary Wolf, MD • Rheumatology

Mark P. Wu, MD • Surgery

Francis Zambetti, MD • Nephrology

Medical Staff

Non-Profit Org.US Postage

PAIDPermit No.183Greenfield, MA

978 249-3511www.atholhospital.org

AtholMemorialHospital

Athol Memorial Hospital2033 Main Street

Athol, Massachusetts 01331