Each month, Andrea Birch, President of Intermountain Lutheran Hospital, shares insights on healthcare innovation, community wellness initiatives, and behind-the-scenes updates on how the new hospital is taking shape. From medical breakthroughs to heartfelt patient stories, this interview connects our readers with the pulse of local healthcare.
After successfully prepping and relocating an entire hospital, 5 months later, how are you now re defining success? What’s a “win” these days for you?
Understanding opportunities. We thought we were known, but weren’t. What’s possible, is now different for us. Seeking and developing new relationships with rural healthcare systems. Building trust with and offering training programs to hospitals and clinics in areas like Summit County, allows us to not only explore partnerships but build our reputation as an organization that can be leaned on for resources, training and education.
What’s on your “to do” list these days?
Community involvement is so important to us. Being involved and learning about what’s happening outside our front door. I’m still rounding with my 100 leaders. Hearing from our patients. It takes about 1800 people to run this hospital. Staying aware and involved is key.
In racing, it’s called “teething”. Where all gears and components of a vehicle are synced and work together. How has Intermountain’s methodology synced with Lutheran’s?
Intermountain quickly realized that while they dominate their Utah market with very tittle competition, The front range is very different with more than a handful of hospitals and healthcare systems, all competing for the same patient. They have been quick and nimble to offer resources in developing those relationships with Summit County hospitals and clinics.
We will continue to encounter issues where two cultures learn from each other but it’s only improving every day.
Has there been a “sticking point”, nagging issue that hasn’t budged despite many efforts?
Yes, absolutely! Aggression towards healthcare workers. Increased security and training has not quelled the level of kicking, spitting and hitting our nursers. This is not ok!! The number of people wondering around the hospital will stop. We are hiring K9 units (dogs). We will be using wands and metal detectors at all entrances to the hospital, not just the Emergency department. The main entrance will look different. Our caregivers are a priority and we intend on doing what is necessary to protect them. This issue is not reserved solely for Lutheran but is a growing concern everywhere.
We have a great relationship with the Wheat Ridge Police Department and rely on them to remove abusive visitors out of our building.
With Kaiser now sending their customers to many facilities experiencing capacity issues. Is Lutheran seeing more patients being redirected here? Could Kaiser reverse their decision and come back?
Yes, all hospitals has agreements to support each other in times of need. We are seeing more patients being re directed here as the intended facility is at capacity.
No, I don’t see Kaiser coming back. This could be the path they have chosen to eventually leave Colorado. They do well in California where they own their own hospitals. We will continue to help other hospitals when needed.
The conversation with Burch moved then to the volunteer program Lutheran is so proud of. “Our community has an incredible number of retired professionals with a wealth of knowledge that could be leaned on or utilized in various avenues. The volunteer program engages people of all ages. From seniors to young people looking to contribute, gain experience or just give back.
Thank you to Andrea Burch for her time and being so forthcoming in sharing her wins and challenges as the President of our local hospital.
If you have questions about the hospital or its programs please send them to my attention at WRgazette@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 303 999-5789.
