Sierra Vista Hospital has been undergoing a remarkable transformation in recent years, driven by the vision of its CEO, Frank Corcoran. In this article, we will explore the various initiatives Frank has led, from investing in high-tech equipment to expanding staff and services, as well as the impact of these efforts on the local community.
Sierra Vista Hospital: A Brief Overview
Located in a growing community, Sierra Vista Hospital has long been a staple of healthcare in the area. The facility has faced its share of challenges over the years, but with the return of Frank Corcoran as CEO, it has started an exciting new chapter in its history.
Frank Corcoran, BSN, MHA: The Man Behind the Transformation
CEO of Sierra Vista Hospital, Frank Corcoran graduated from Louisiana State University, is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and is an experienced healthcare leader in large health systems, community hospitals, and turnaround projects.
Early years at Sierra Vista Hospital
A Registered Nurse since 1991, Frank served Sierra Vista Hospital as interim CNO (Chief Nursing Officer) from 2018-2019, working on initial turnaround efforts which included reducing expenses and growing revenue. He left New Mexico to assume the role of CEO on a hospital turnaround project in Kansas, guiding that facility through fiscal difficulties amid the COVID-19 emergency.
Return as CEO
Frank returned to New Mexico to become Sierra Vista Hospital Interim CEO in the fall of 2021 and became permanent CEO in December of 2021, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and a clear vision for the hospital’s future. His return to Sierra Vista was centered on the fact that he loved the people and knew that if he could get them engaged, he could take the hospital to the next level. He’s helped by a very involved and dedicated Governing Board, fully focused on what’s best for the hospital and the community.
In his spare time, Frank enjoys cajun cooking and claims to make the best Étouffée on the planet! He also enjoys time with wife, Ginger, who owns a specialty soap business; watching and playing baseball; hiking; adventure races; biking; off-roading; and spending time with grandchildren.
High-Tech Equipment Investments
One of Frank’s first priorities was to modernize the hospital by investing in state-of-the-art equipment, such as a specialized hospital bed for wound care and an upgraded mammography machine. This commitment to technology has not only enhanced patient care but also helped attract top medical talent to the facility.
Building a Strong Medical Staff
Frank is also focused on building a robust medical staff, hiring highly-qualified professionals in various fields. This diverse team ensures that patients receive comprehensive care and has helped to elevate the hospital’s reputation. Recent hires include Dr. Sonja Seufer who brings 30 years of experience, including pediatric care, to SVH; Dr. Erica Palin, a new resident with pediatrics and prenatal qualifications; and several other new hires, including an operations director, quality director and HR director, with a search for an IT director currently underway.
Expanding Services at Sierra Vista Hospital
Under Frank’s leadership, Sierra Vista Hospital has expanded its range of services to better meet the needs of the community. These new offerings have made it possible for patients to receive specialized care close to home, reducing the need for travel to larger cities.
One of those services is a new surgical unit with a surgeon from Houston working three days a week, one day of which is dedicated to surgery. Frank also hired two CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) to serve in the surgical unit and purchased two anesthesia machines. Surgical services will expand as demand grows.
In addition, Frank introduced a new, accredited sleep-study program, a partnership that includes a tech and pulmonologist who perform nighttime studies in two sleep-study patient rooms. Plans for the sleep-study program include eventually introducing a new state-of-the-art implant that eliminates the need for patients to use nighttime face masks.
Rural Health Care
Sierra Vista Hospital services include a Rural Healthcare Clinic on the hospital’s second level with two behavioral health nurse practitioners, two family-practice nurse practitioners and two physicians, one of which is a tele-psychiatric and neurologist physician and the other a tele-internal-medicine physician.
The Demolition and New Wing Project
Rationale for the Project
One of Frank’s most ambitious initiatives is the planned demolition of the oldest 80,000 sq. ft. section of the hospital, with a new $25M wing to be constructed in its place. This project aims to create a modern, efficient facility that can better serve the community’s evolving needs. The new addition will include behavioral health services, another 14 beds, an expanded surgical unit and orthopedics, all of which may be implemented in phases.
Long-term Vision
Looking further down the road, Sierra Vista envisions a wellness center that includes a rehabilitation unit, geriatrics fitness center, youth fitness center and educational programs.
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Accreditation
Sierra Vista Hospital is currently seeking accreditation from the Joint Commission, the gold standard in healthcare accreditation for hospitals and other healthcare organizations. The commission develops performance standards that address crucial elements of operation, such as patient care, medication safety, infection control and consumer rights. Sierra Vista has started the process with a mock survey to identify where improvements are needed. Once this first step is completed, the hospital will apply to the Joint Commission to begin the formal accreditation process.
Impact on the Local Community
Attracting New Residents
Sierra Vista Hospital’s improvements have had a positive effect on the local community, as access to high-quality healthcare is a significant factor for people considering a move to a new area. The hospital’s enhanced capabilities and reputation make it more attractive for potential residents, including seniors who prioritize healthcare accessibility.
Benefits for Seniors
Seniors, in particular, can benefit from the expanded services and updated facilities at Sierra Vista Hospital. As they often require specialized care and regular checkups, having a top-notch medical facility nearby can significantly improve their quality of life.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the impressive progress made under Frank Corcoran’s leadership, Sierra Vista Hospital still faces challenges. Maintaining the momentum of growth, navigating financial constraints, and keeping up with rapidly advancing medical technologies are just a few of the issues the hospital must tackle. The biggest challenge currently facing the hospital is the computer health records system, Athena, which is antiquated. A new system, Oracle Health, will soon be implemented which will go live in the fall of 2023 and will improve interoperability and collaboration. With Frank at the helm, the hospital is well-equipped to face these challenges and continue to evolve as a leading healthcare provider in the region.
Conclusion
The transformation of Sierra Vista Hospital under CEO Frank Corcoran’s guidance is nothing short of inspiring. His commitment to modernizing the facility, expanding services, and investing in both staff and equipment has had a profound impact on the hospital and the community it serves. With Frank’s dedication to continuous improvement, Sierra Vista Hospital is poised for a promising future as a key player in the local healthcare landscape.
