Broward Health system has reestablished its prominence

Since becoming chair of the North Broward Hospital District, which does business as Broward Health, I have witnessed the resurgence of one of South Florida’s most venerable health systems. Broward Health, an 80-year staple in Broward County, has reestablished its prominence following tremendous enhancements made in the past 18 months. North Broward Hospital District Commissioners Nancy Gregoire, Stacy Angier, Marie Waugh and Christopher Ure, along with Broward Health leaders, continue to elevate the system while managing the COVID-19 response. The board has been instrumental in implementing a growth plan with five pillars to ensure our community continues to receive the highest quality care.

Quality: This past year, our efforts to deliver the highest standard of care were nationally recognized following systemwide implementation of best practice initiatives. Broward Health Medical Center received the Best Regional Hospital Award Badge in Miami-Fort Lauderdale from U.S. News & World Report and was named a high performer in chronic pulmonary disease, heart failure and hip replacement. Broward Health North received the Florida Hospital Association’s Mission to Care Falls Champion Award for outstanding work in reducing patient readmission. Broward Health Weston won the Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award for outstanding outpatient services.

Service: As a safety net hospital system, Broward Health understands that caring must extend into the diverse communities we serve, which is why we launched multiple COVID-19 testing sites in underserved areas. Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center served more than 12,000 at-risk children and families and continues extensive HIV/AIDS research. Through the highly effective Vaccinate Broward and Mobilize to Immunize campaigns more than 800 children across Broward County were vaccinated. During the holidays we participated in nearly 600 community events, touching 65,000-plus lives. From meal distributions and backpack giveaways to toy drives and HIV preventive screenings, Broward Health continues to engage with those we serve at this critical time when discrimination and prejudices must be addressed.

People: This momentum is achieved when 10,000 dedicated caregivers, first responders and medical staff come together. To enhance services and promote a higher standard of care, Broward Health leaders dedicated themselves to organizations such as the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and Junior Achievement of South Florida. Diversity is key to our success, with nearly half of Broward Health employees identifying as Black or African American and more than 60% representing racial minority groups. Broward Health also pursued partnerships with diverse organizations, including the South Florida Anchor Alliance and Urban League.

Growth: Broward Health continues to grow. The second phase of our neonatal intensive care unit expansion is slated for completion this Fall. New robotic technology continues to provide the best possible care for orthopedic, oncologic, bariatric, urologic, gynecologic and pediatric patients. New cardiac catheterization labs at Broward Health Coral Springs and Broward Health Imperial Point provide minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment close to home. Telehealth programming and our Nurse Connect phone service were established during the pandemic. Expanded genomics and precision medicine will provide personalized care unique to each patient. As a result, we see increased access to care and more people – locally, nationally and internationally – choosing us as their provider of choice.

Finance: Many gauge a health system’s viability on its finances. Prior to COVID-19, the system was achieving financial targets and looked to have its strongest financial outcome in years. While the healthcare sector experienced up to a 7% reduction in inpatient volume due to industry trends for broader outpatient care, Broward Health – while not immune – was outpacing an aggressive FY2020 budget by $1.6 million. We were confident that Broward Health, which has an operating budget of $1.4 billion and contributions of more than $127 million in charitable care to the community this past year, would have a strong financial showing. The pandemic has had a global financial impact, with significant hardships to healthcare. Broward Health was no different than other health systems and now is battling a budget deficit. However, we have found innovative ways to ease shortfalls and maintain caregiver employment. The future will demand and ultimately spotlight Broward Health’s financial agility, commitment to technology, capital improvements and services based upon our annual community needs assessment and industry trends.