The Lions Roar...serious and fun information form the Westerly Lions Club

Charles Kinney, President/CEO of Westerly Hospital spoke to the Westerly Lions Club on April 23, 2008. As the largest employer in Westerly, the hospital is critical to the well being of the residents and visitors of our wonderful community.

Westerly Hospital ranks in the top 5% of hospitals for overall patient satisfaction and top 2% for their emergency room, is fully accredited by the American College of Radiology, has the latest in computer assisted MRI and is the 1st hospital in the state of Rhode Island to sign onto the new Ventilator Protocols for patient safety.

The hospital has recently hired a Hospitalist Group, and feels there is a need to add 25 physicans to service the community.

Mr Kinney also spoke about the vast differences between what the highest and lowest paid hospitals in Rhode Island recieve in state reimbursement. Westerly Hospital is the 2nd lowest cost hospital in  the state, yet is penalized because reimbursements rates are tied to expenses.

Over the last 4 years, state aid to community hospitals has been cut $10.3 million dollars in 2005, $19.1 million in 2006 and $36 million in  2007. He urged everyone to call their state representatives to stop the insane issue of taxing hospitals more and to help the hospitals with co-pay and deductible legislation.

For more information, contact Nick Stahl at 401-596-6000

Photos from the May 14, 2008 Golf Tournamnet are now available at www.westerlylions.org/golf2008

A great time, with unbeatable weather, good food and lots of laugh helped the Golf Committee produce once again a successful tournament.