2006 Annual Report > CEO Message

CEO message

I am pleased to report that Park Nicollet achieved many notable accomplishments in 2006, which, once again, enhanced our ability to provide high-quality, cost-effective care to our patients.

We continued to use Lean production techniques to reduce waste and improve our patients' experience in key areas. For example, we significantly reduced lead time – the time it takes from when a patient first makes a request for services until that service is complete. We also eliminated serious inpatient pressure ulcers, which can occur in bedridden patients, and reduced mortality rates through new rapid-evaluation teams.

In addition, our care teams – made up of doctors, nurses and other staff – received the highest possible satisfaction score from nearly two-thirds of our patients surveyed. This was a promising increase over 2005, and we expect that number to rise in 2007 through consistent and targeted action.

Park Nicollet also was profitable each quarter, increasing overall patient volumes 4 percent from the previous year. This is a commendable accomplishment, given many in our industry struggled in a challenging health care market in 2006.

In 2007, we expect to build on these successes and introduce progressive services. Our new vision and modified values will guide us, as we do our utmost to provide all patients with a personalized, supportive experience, through everyone caring every day.

I hope this report heightens your awareness about how Park Nicollet promotes the health, healing and learning of those we serve, and of our efforts to create optimal health and greater value.

David Wessner
Chief Executive Officer