HCA Healthcare a part of the 'Rochester miracle'

*NOT FOR EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTION*

Source: New Hampshire Union Leader
Author: Paul Callaghan
Date: : August 19, 2024

AS MAYOR of Rochester, it is my responsibility to be an effective steward of resources for the taxpayers of the Lilac City. But beyond that, I take great pride in enhancing and expanding the safety, prosperity and health of the city and our residents.

Over the last few years, as some cities and towns have seen decreases in population, Rochester has welcomed more than 1,000 new residents, many of whom have moved into new renovated apartments downtown. And in last five years, we have reduced violent crimes by 45% and property crimes by more than 40% — largely due to our professional police department.

Rochester’s downtown is flourishing with close to $30 million in private investments in new businesses, restaurants and retail offerings. We are proud to have attracted companies like SIG Sauer to Rochester, helping them to supply our military and law enforcement with critical resources. Welcoming employers such as this is about more than good paying jobs; it is a true source of community pride for our servicemen and women.

After work, you can head downtown to enjoy fine dining and catch a show at our historic Rochester Opera House — that is, if it isn’t sold out. We value our arts and entertainment, and our way of life.

Some have called our recent progress and growth the “Rochester miracle,” but I don’t think it’s a miracle. I think it’s a testament to the value of hard work and the commitment of the people of Rochester — our residents, businesses, community organizations and partners. One of those great partners is Frisbie Memorial Hospital, which is part of HCA Healthcare.

HCA Healthcare has been in Portsmouth for more than 40 years, in Derry for more than 40 years, and, in the weeks before COVID, they acquired Frisbie Memorial Hospital. Just in time, too. Frisbie had been experiencing financial hardship and was on the brink of closure. Truly, if HCA Healthcare had not acquired Frisbie Memorial Hospital in 2020, Rochester would likely be without a community hospital.

Running a local community hospital is very difficult and that was made even more challenging during the pandemic. But as professionals in health care, from their leadership to every single doctor, nurse and employee, HCA Healthcare helped lead our community out of the dark days of COVID and onto brighter and healthier days for everyone.

HCA Healthcare has invested millions of dollars into Frisbie Memorial Hospital, including new state-of-the-art operating rooms, an inpatient acute rehabilitation center, and new breast imaging center. And just recently, it became a Primary Stroke Center. Now, thanks to HCA Healthcare, instead of having to travel out of New Hampshire and down to Boston or up to Maine, patients can receive cutting-edge treatment closer to home — not just saving time, but ultimately saving lives.

Frisbie Memorial Hospital also has an invaluable mental health unit off the emergency room that helps those all across our community who struggle with mental health and addiction challenges. It is a vital component to health care and our community, and I applaud and appreciate all who work tirelessly on these difficult and sensitive issues.

Frisbie Memorial Hospital and HCA Healthcare provide top-quality medical care in Rochester and our surrounding community, which is crucial for both an aging and a growing population. Frisbie is also an economic engine in Rochester, providing good jobs for medical and administrative professionals, as well as jobs in environmental services, food and nutrition and other services.

More than the health care, jobs, and significant tax base they contribute to our city, Frisbie and HCA Healthcare are a cornerstone of our community. You will find staff volunteering at our local food pantry, at our local schools, and at other non-profit and city-run events. And you will find their financial contributions are more than charity in our community, they are a lifeline for so many.

Frisbie Memorial Hospital is not just a building in Rochester operated by HCA Healthcare. Their leadership and staff work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to make us healthier, safer, and to ensure that Rochester is a better place to live. They reflect the greatest traditions here in the Granite State of being a good neighbor and serving the community.

Right now, HCA Healthcare is looking to partner with Catholic Medical Center in Manchester. I can attest that HCA Healthcare helped save Frisbie and so many in Rochester. When people ask how it is going, I am proud to say that they have supported Rochester — so much that I have joined them as a member of their Board of Trustees.

World-class health care is critical for everyone to live a better, safer, and more prosperous life, and HCA Healthcare helps the people of Rochester and throughout New Hampshire do just that.