For More Information Contact:

Matt Chadderdon
Auburn Community Hospital
315-567-0444
Embargoed For Release until 2.10.19

STATEMENT BY AUBURN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL REGARDING RECENT ALLEGATIONS REPORTED IN

THE MEDIA

The Mission at Auburn Community Hospital is to provide the best outcome for every patient, every time.
We do this by providing compassionate quality care with a goal of improving the health of our
community and every patient that comes through our doors. Recently the media has reported on
allegations made by physicians who no longer work at Auburn Community Hospital and who have sued
the Hospital in employment actions. We believe that these assertions are unproven allegations made by
former employees and further, that the Hospital denies any allegations of quality of care issues or
wrongdoing.

We can comment on a resolved matter. A complaint was filed with the NYS Department of Health last
summer related to policies and procedures associated with management oversight of employees at
Auburn Community Hospital. The Department of Health responded to the complaint and conducted a
thorough inquiry in late August 2018. The Inspectors interviewed numerous nurses and doctors and staff
of the hospital including doctors who are mentioned in the media reports. The Department of Health
inspectors found certain deficiencies related to a lack of oversight and formal documentation when
addressing personnel issues. However, there was no finding that the quality of care was compromised.

In response, the hospital developed a “Plan of Correction” as required by the State Health Department
and submitted the plan in September of 2018. The Department of Health accepted our “Plan of
Correction” on October 24, 2018. In addition, the State Investigators came back on site at the hospital in
November 2018 and concluded that no further action was required.

Healthcare is a highly regulated discipline. The hospital is subject to numerous inspections and complies
will all state and federal requirements. Like all hospitals in the country, we are kept to a very high
standard – and we should be. In short, we are continually striving to improve our policies and
procedures related to management oversight, in compliance with all state and federal regulations.

I would also like to take the time to comment about all of the good things we do that sometimes get lost
when employment disputes are publically aired.

Think about this…

 In just the last 18 months or so we have signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with St.
Joseph’s Health and The University of Rochester Medical Center.
 We have invested over $1 million in technology for Interventional Radiology.
 We have invested in a new Imaging Technology for our surgeons.
  We have a state-of-the-art Tesla Ultra High Definition MRI facility – open 7 days a week
 We opened a new Infusion Center in 2018.
 We have recruited some great new doctors in the area of Neurology, Orthopedics, Psychiatry,
(Including Child & Adolescent care) Colorectal Surgery, Endocrinology, Geriatrics and more to
come.
 We have received awards for Stroke Care, Bariatric Care, and Maternity Care
 Our Nursing Home is a “People Choice” for Best Nursing Home/High Quality Care

In 2018 Auburn Community Hospital experienced the following:

 Total admissions: 4,895
 Total ER visits: 27,372
 Total Surgeries: 5,159 Inpatient & Out Patient
 Total Laboratory: 1.4M tests
 Total Deliveries: 362
 Total monthly visits to our local Physician Practices: 142,914

*In addition we have the following economic impact on our community:

$163M Economic Activity – defined as jobs & purchasing of Goods & Services

$56M Payroll Expenditures – Direct Salary & Benefits of ACH Employees (The Hospital employs over
1100 people with good wages and benefits)

$22M Tax Dollars Generated – ACH generates tax dollars to stimulate local economy

$13M Community Investments – ACH covers cost of care to people in need, subsidize care & services to
low incomes, elderly, and invest in numerous community events and health care initiatives. When you
add this all up your hospital drives a $254M Total Economic Impact in our community and the
surrounding service areas. * provided by Healthcare Association of New York

We are making great progress in a very competitive marketplace while providing outstanding healthcare
to everyone who comes through our doors regardless of their ability to pay. Auburn Community Hospital
is YOUR hospital. Not only do we take care of you and your family when you have health issues, but we
also employ your friends and neighbors. So yes, like every hospital in the country, we sometimes need
to make adjustments, but we never lose sight that our patients are our number one priority.

Thank you for your consideration.

Scott A. Berlucchi, FACHE, NHA

President & CEO
Auburn Community Hospital