Sebasticook Valley Hospital (SVH) President/CEO John C. “Jack” May has announced his plans to retire after more than a decade of service to the hospital. He has been with the organization since December 1999.
SVH Board of Trustees Chair John Delile stated, “Under Jack’s leadership Sebasticook Valley Hospital has grown tremendously, adding programs and services to meet the needs of the people of our region. His vision for SVH has been an inspiration and a great deal has been accomplished in Jack’s ten years as President/CEO.”
Since May arrived at SVH, the hospital has made significant changes that affect the range and scope of services and the level of quality and commitment to care. The hospital is now accredited by the national Joint Commission and is an award winning hospital for overall exemplary performance, customer service, and innovation by Avatar, International. SVH has also earned the best in Blue Ribbon Rating from the Maine Health Management Coalition for Patient Satisfaction, Patient Safety, and Select Clinical Quality. During May’s leadership SVH earned the Bronze Award for employee health from the Wellness Councils of America (WELCOA). And in 2007, his leadership was recognized by the Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce as SVH became Business of the Year.
May, who worked collaboratively with Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems (EMHS) to become a full member of the system, has also been a leader at that level. He led the effort to standardize and pursue group purchasing, which saved the system millions. Most recently at the system level, May has led the effort to bring health clinics operated by EMHS members to Central and Northern Maine. SVH will open a clinic at the Palmyra Walmart store in early 2010.
During May’s administration SVH constructed a helipad for the LifeFlight emergency air transport service, brought a federally qualified health center network to the region, constructed an Outpatient and Women’s Health Center, doubled the size of the Laboratory and Surgical Suite, updated the Ambulance fleet, and brought four Sebasticook Valley Regional Family Care primary care offices to the towns of Clinton, Pittsfield, Newport, and Carmel. SVH also brought outpatient lab and health screening services to these locations, and added a satellite Rehabilitation Services site in Newport.
Over the past decade under May’s leadership, the organization successfully recruited primary care providers, emergency department physicians, surgeons, and Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners to SVH. During his time at SVH, May also led the way in bringing new technology, including collaboration with EMHS on the Together Project and the 2009 addition of the patient HealthPass and Kiosk system for patient registration.
May has also been a strong advocate for preventative health, wellness and community services. Under his leadership the hospital obtained significant grant funding for dental health, and programming that encourages physical activity, improved nutrition, tobacco prevention and cessation, and substance abuse prevention. He has also supported the expansion of SVH’s cardiopulmonary and diabetes and nutrition clinic services.
Philanthropy was also brought to a new level by May. He personally worked on each capital campaign and was instrumental in bringing SVH’s major annual fundraiser, the SVH Benefit Golf Tournament and Auction to SVH, which to date, has raised over $450,000 for the hospital and health-related charitable causes.
When May arrived in December 1999, SVH had gross revenues of $19 million. In less than ten years, it had revenues of over $51 million. Over the decade, SVH has had a positive bottom line each and every year, while many healthcare organizations across the country have struggled financially.
May has also been a proponent of innovation. He personally brought to SVH a service concept that came to him one day as he was having his vehicle serviced. At the dealership, they offered a courtesy shuttle service. It was a eureka moment when May decided that if a car dealership could offer this service for their customers, than there must be a way SVH could offer a transportation service for outpatients. The SVH Courtesy Van Service was created and provides free rides for outpatient care and treatment to those who need this service.
During his presidency at SVH, May also served as President of the LifeFlight Foundation, leading the way for their $10 million campaign to add two new helicopters, navigation systems, and statewide helipads. He also served on the board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, helping to grant wishes to critically ill children in the state of Maine, and he served on the boards of the Maine Health Network and the Maine Hospital Association.
The search for a new President/CEO for Sebasticook Valley Hospital is currently underway.
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