As I approach the end of my tenure as President & CEO, I have spent a great deal of time reflecting on the successes and challenges of my many years at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.
Though this time of transition is bittersweet for me, there are so many reasons to be hopeful about the future, beginning with what lies ahead for LG Health in 2021.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic certainly will continue to influence our focus. This will include supporting local vaccination efforts, as well as ensuring that we remain well-prepared to meet the health-care needs of everyone in our community.
We will continue to provide compassionate care and the latest treatments to our patients with COVID-19, including those who experience lasting impacts of their illness. And of course we will continue to serve the more than 750,000 friends and neighbors who count on us as a trusted partner in their efforts to achieve and maintain good health.
In addition, we will focus on advancing the priorities outlined in four key areas within our 2021-2025 strategic plan. Our efforts around strategic growth and sustainability will include continued expansion of our ambulatory network and strengthening of our service lines. Notably, in oncology, we will become the first community health system in Pennsylvania to offer proton therapy.
In Lancaster City, work will continue on the Emergency Department expansion at Lancaster General Hospital. We also hope to begin construction on a new health center, along with a health-oriented residential complex, in the neighborhood surrounding the hospital.
Throughout Lancaster County, we will continue to strengthen our partnerships with local businesses, enhancing access to high-quality health-care services while stabilizing or even lowering costs for both employers and patients.
We will also focus on building tools and experiences based on consumer preferences, to include the continued growth of our telemedicine services. Additionally, we will develop a consumer-facing digital platform that will transform navigation, improve price transparency and provide simpler, more seamless interactions across our health system.
Advancing high reliability will remain a key area of focus. This work will include ensuring that Just Culture is fully implemented across LG Health and continuing to create a workplace that is psychologically safe and resilient. Our future Diversity & Inclusion strategy will complement these efforts for our staff, our patients and the community.
As part of our long-standing community commitment, we will take two bold steps aimed at addressing fundamental social determinants that impact the health of people and families throughout our community. You will learn much more about these exciting efforts in the near future.
As I near my retirement, I am confident that LG Health is well-positioned to serve Lancaster County and beyond for generations to come. Thank you for your continuing commitment to each other, our health system and our community. Working alongside each and every one of you has truly been the highlight of my career.