Message from the New CEO / President - Lola Rathbone: Sustaining and Expanding Excellence

What a joy it is to read the thank you notes from our families that often accompany their donations.

For 17 years I have been privileged to work for an organization whose employees are committed to this kind of care. Their every touch, word, and action is focused on providing comfort and support to their patients and families. This kind of excellence reflects the tremendous growth in the number of hospice families we serve on a daily and annual basis.

Last year, in caring for 819 hospice patients, 52,000 staff visits were provided, plus an additional 3,000 visits by our volunteers. We have become the most successful hospice organization in New York State by serving 40% of the patients who are eligible for hospice services in our service area, far outreaching the average NYS hospice at 22%.

We also have the most successful Nursing Home Hospice Program in the state. Working as a partner with 5 area nursing homes, an average of 55 nursing home residents per day receive the very best care and compassionate one-on-one attention.
Over the past 25 years, we have grown from a small volunteer agency (the Love Committee) to the 11th largest employer in our area. Stepping into my new role as President/CEO I am challenged to sustain this culture of excellence.

What will it take to sustain this excellence through this time of transition and economic downturn? I believe that sticking with these essential core values that have helped us succeed thus far:

Our commitment to honoring the goals of the patient and family — basing all decisions on what is best for them.

Our commitment to open access – caring for all patients with serious illness, bar none.

Our commitment to making Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care a great place to work.

There will be challenges and changes along the way, but the core values established by the “Love Committee” 25 years ago will be the same.

Our vision has expanded over the years to include nursing home residents, adult home residents, children’s bereavement camps, palliative care, complementary therapies, and someday a hospice residence and inpatient facility. We will continue to expand until all needs of seriously ill people and their families in this area are met.

I am confident that with your support we will sustain our culture of excellence and expand our vision.