News

Hospitalist Program

Athol Memorial Hospital announces a new Hospitalist Program for inpatient care to begin on September 8, 2009. A Hospitalist is a physician who oversees all aspects of care for patients during their inpatient stay and ensures that appropriate plans for aftercare are in place. Hospitalists serve in the role of attending physician and have particular knowledge about hospital procedures.

The Hospitalist works closely with a patient during their hospital stay and communicates with the primary care physician about the plan of care. The Hospitalist is also available to speak with the patient’s family. Primary care physicians are invited to perform courtesy rounds with their patients while they are under the Hospitalist’s care. Patients return to the care of their primary care physician upon discharge from the hospital.

Timothy Soule-Regine, MD, will serve as the Medical Director of Athol Memorial Hospital’s Hospitalist Program and will be the first Hospitalist on duty. He is a board certified physician already familiar to the hospital and the community. Coverage for the Hospitalist Program will include other board certified physicians from North Quabbin Family Physicians.

“We are pleased to bring this enhanced service to our patients,” stated Steve Penka, FACHE, Athol Memorial Hospital President and CEO, “and to join the ranks of other hospitals in Worcester County with this type of program. We have been working hard to put all the details in place.” Athol Memorial Hospital is the last hospital in the county to implement a Hospitalist Program.

Athol Memorial Hospital is 25 bed not-for-profit acute care and outpatient facility serving the communities of the North Quabbin region since 1950. 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.

September 4, 1009