• Dimensions Healthcare Appoints Kenneth Glover as President and CEO and Neil Moore as Interim Executive Vice President
• Prince George Hospital Center To Hold Blood Drive
• New OR Sponge Detection System Enhances Patient Safety at Dimensions Healthcare System

A Letter To Our Community

April 21, 2005

A Letter To Our Community

The end of any year is a time for reflection – and for looking ahead at what the New Year will bring. As 2004 nears an end, it is impossible not to look back on it as one of the most critical in the history of Dimensions Healthcare System.

As reported throughout the year by The Washington Post, Dimensions has confronted substantial challenges. I am pleased to report that as 2005 approaches, there are numerous positive developments throughout our system. Just as importantly, there is no doubt that Dimensions is more stable and in a better position than at any time in years to meet the healthcare needs of our community.

This past year began with the completion of a landmark agreement securing County and State funding to bolster the operations of our healthcare system. All of the County and State leaders who worked on this difficult issue are to be commended for their vision and steadfast commitment.

That agreement, however, was just the first step in stabilizing operations at Dimensions. This fall, we took difficult but needed steps to strengthen our financial performance. Through a number of measures designed to improve performance system-wide, we have trimmed $7.2 million in operating costs. This has occurred with minimal impact on our full-time staff and while maintaining our focus on quality patient care. This is supported by a new three-year accreditations from the Joint Commission at both Prince George’s Hospital Center and the Bowie Health Center. In addition, we have received a new accreditation for our comprehensive rehabilitation program at Laurel Regional Hospital.

To strengthen our service capabilities, we recently opened two new cardiac catheterization labs at Prince George’s Hospital Center. Furthermore, we upgraded the hospital’s imaging department by installing a new CT scanner, two angiography units, and state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment. At Laurel Regional Hospital, we implemented a new service excellence program and significantly improved patient waiting time in our Emergency Department. The Bowie Health Center celebrated its 25th Anniversary of service to the community by treating nearly 40,000 emergency and ambulatory surgery patients. At Gladys Spellman Specialty Hospital and Nursing Center, we expanded the number of chronic beds for long-term care patients with complex clinical conditions. All these moves are evidence that as we confronted significant challenges, we kept the focus on quality healthcare that our community needs and deserves.

At the same time, it is exciting to look forward to what the New Year holds. Next year, we will be expanding and renovating the emergency departments at Prince George’s Hospital Center and Laurel Regional Hospital. A $2 million project to enhance maternity capabilities at Prince George’s Hospital Center is slated for this year as well. When completed, this project will result in all private rooms for new mothers. These are just some examples of how we plan to keep Dimensions vital and better serving our patients.

We cannot and will not lose our focus on operating efficiently and responsibly – ensuring that the valuable community healthcare resource that Dimensions represents is here for the community for decades to come. With the continued cooperation and support of our employees, physicians, volunteers, elected officials, patients, community members and many supporters, we are confident that 2005 will mark the beginning of a brighter era for Dimensions Healthcare System.

Sincerely,

Calvin Brown

Chairman, Board of Directors

Dimensions Healthcare System

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