Hospital Association Names New Chairman, Appoints Board Officers and New Members

PRINCETON, N.J., Jan 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Alexander J. Hatala, FACHE, of Mount Laurel, president and CEO of the Lourdes Health System and leader with Catholic Health East New Jersey, today was installed as chairman of the board of the New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA), a 108-member advocacy organization. The chairman's official installation, as well as the appointment of new board members, was held during NJHA's 91st Annual Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Princeton.

Hatala succeeds outgoing chairman John T. Gribbin, FACHE, of CentraState Healthcare System in Freehold.  In taking the reins of the NJHA Board, Hatala recalled New Jersey's "rich tradition of values-based healthcare," now represented by religious and lay-hospitals all across the state that are driven by a caring mission, where healthcare services are delivered to all comers, regardless of their ability to pay.

But that legacy, said Hatala, is in jeopardy.

"New Jersey hospitals face challenges that are no less daunting than those faced by our early founders," said Hatala. "In 2010 we are at a crossroads. We cannot simply add a few zeros to define the cost of solving the problems. The solution is far more complex than just dollars."

Hatala challenged hospital leaders to fight as one for adequate financial reimbursement for the state's ailing hospitals, but also to lead a transformation that will define healthcare for the future.

The improvement agenda must include expanded health information technology, the use of data to evaluate healthcare effectiveness and payment reform that emphasizes better care rather than more care, said Hatala.

"The future of healthcare is now being molded and shaped by sincere government officials," he said. "But they cannot do it alone. They need our help. Together, let us work to ensure that our ideas, vision and expertise become a driving force to the development of that future."

Under the chairmanship of Hatala, the following officers of the NJHA board also were appointed: Secretary Stephen K. Jones of Kendall Park, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital; Treasurer Joseph P. Coyle of Cedar Run, Southern Ocean County Hospital; Vice Chairman Audrey Meyers of Ridgewood, Valley Health System; and Chairman-elect Thomas Biga of Fairhaven, Clara Maass Medical Center.

The following healthcare leaders also were appointed as new board members: Gary Horan of Sea Girt, Trinitas Regional Medical Center; Deanna Sperling, MAS, RN, of Lakewood, Organization of Nurse Executives of New Jersey; and Joseph Reichman, FACS, of Gibbsboro, the Medical Society of New Jersey.

The New Jersey Hospital Association, based in Princeton, is the statewide advocate for its 108 member hospitals and the patients they serve.

SOURCE New Jersey Hospital Association