Day Kimball Healthcare Announces Patient Advisory Council Members

Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH) announces the membership of its newly-formed, voluntary Patient Advisory Council. They are David Bamber (Plainfield), Alan Bates (Putnam), Lynne Bergeron (Thompson), Jeff Bousquet (Danielson), Kalin Bousquet (Danielson), Linda Colangelo (Putnam), Laura Crosetti (Putnam), Bruce Disco (Dayville), Cindy Disco (Dayville), Nancy Dziki (Brooklyn), Mae Flexer (Danielson), Kevin Johnston (Pomfret Center), John LaChance (Thompson), Judy LaChance (Thompson), Rachelle Mauer (Putnam), Rene Morin (Thompson), Margery Mosher (Putnam), Mallory Murray (Putnam), Paul Pikora (Putnam), Riley Prather (Woodstock), Jeff Rawson (Putnam), Jessica Rawson (Putnam), Robert Tetreault (Brooklyn), Delpha Very (Thompson) and Aileen Witkowski (Thompson). They represent nine of the 13 towns Day Kimball serves and have varied experiences with the organization, most dating as far back as 10 years.

Community co-chair is Karen Osbrey (Putnam), and DKH co-chair is Donald St. Onge, Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer. Administrative members include Robert Smanik, DKH President & CEO and Sara Brandon, DKH Vice President Marketing, Communications & Development.

“I’m proud to be part of this new initiative that is about listening to the community and then applying those insights to how Day Kimball interacts with patients and family members – before, during and after care is provided,” said Osbrey. “I hope each of the members becomes a connection for their friends and neighbors back to Day Kimball to provide personal feedback on what they believe is needed for Northeast Connecticut to live healthier lives.”

The council has met twice, on May 15 and June 26, 2014. The open discussion meetings allowed the council to share issues of interest. Topics that will be explored by the council in the future include the changes in the health care industry and how they translate in Northeast Connecticut; the patient-physician relationship and how it works in the new health care environment; exploration of what services the community would like DKH to provide; DKH’s role in offering wellness education; and ways to communicate with the community for better understanding of DKH overall. At the next meeting on September 11, the council will prioritize its agenda for the group.

“I was so pleased to have an engaged, passionate group gather and candidly share their commitment to Day Kimball, while at the same time provide honest feedback on where we could do better. Our mission has remained the same for 120 years – to provide quality health services to this community. With the health care industry going through the most significant change in our history, it’s important we don’t lose focus on the people we serve. The council is one way to keep us on track, and more importantly, help us improve in ways that are meaningful to the community,” said St. Onge.

DKH announced the formation of the Patient Advisory Council at its January 9, 2014 annual meeting. Member recruitment continues with the goal to have a well-balanced reflection of the region DKH serves. Application information is available at daykimball.org/patientadvisory or by calling Karen Osbrey at (860) 928-1350.

Learn more about the Patient Advisory Council >