As the year 2014 fades like the setting sun, 2015 is rising like a bold fire of hope, transition, and change! Before the year 2014 becomes a distant memory, it is good to reflect where we've been, and look ahead to where we are going. 

The year 2014 was demanding, as we made the journey under the awesome canopy of the Affordable Care Act. Challenged by HCAHPS scores, reduction in reimbursements, 30 day readmission financial penalties, rising bad debt, and reduction in patient volume, we were still able to achieve a profitable margin. 

Our success in 2014 is attributed to the outstanding teamwork of all of us. I thank our dedicated and loyal staff, Board, and volunteers. Our medical staff played a significant part in our financial success in 2014. 

In 2014 we started the initiative of pursuing a future partnership. Our goal is to ensure a vibrant hospital, able to sustain the boundless incoming tides of future demands as healthcare evolves toward a more effective and efficient business model. In December, our Board made the courageous decision to pursue a letter of intent to develop a partnership with Vidant/CarolinaEast. 

Now, with the rising sun of the year 2015, what lies before us is the hope of a better future, as we will develop an agreement for a partnership with a large system that brings promise for a better tomorrow for us all.

Sincerely,

Ed Piper, Ph.D.

Former President & Chief Executive Officer, 2000-2016