Connecticut’s Hospital for Special Care Appoints New CEO

Categories: Rhode Island Business NewsRhode Island News

The new leadership aims to enhance services at Hospital for Special Care.

News Summary

The Hospital for Special Care in New Britain has named Crista F. Durand as its new president and CEO, effective March 3, 2024. With extensive experience in healthcare, including a decade as president of Newport Hospital, Durand aims to enhance the hospital’s services, particularly for autism and neuroscience. She will also focus on integrating technology and addressing workforce challenges as she takes over from Lynn Ricci, who is retiring after eight years.

Connecticut Announces New CEO for Hospital for Special Care

New Britain’s Hospital for Special Care has appointed Crista F. Durand as its new president and CEO, effective March 3, 2024. Durand, a native of Connecticut, brings a wealth of experience in healthcare leadership, previously serving as the president of Newport Hospital in Rhode Island for ten years.

Durand takes over the position from Lynn Ricci, who led the hospital for 8 years and announced her retirement in June 2024. The transition comes at a time when the hospital is aiming to enhance its services and cater to a broader patient demographic.

Background and Expertise

Crista Durand has a robust background in healthcare management, including her role as vice president of strategic planning, marketing, and business development at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London. Her experience positions her well to lead the Hospital for Special Care, which serves patients from Connecticut and 24 other states across the nation.

The Hospital for Special Care specializes in long-term acute care and rehabilitation, offering services in critical areas such as pulmonary care, acquired brain injury, medically complex pediatrics, and neuromuscular disorders. Established in 1941, the facility operates as an independent, non-profit organization with reported revenue of $136 million and expenses of $131 million for the fiscal year ending March 2024.

Future Initiatives and Challenges

In her new role, Durand plans to broaden autism services specifically for adults and expand both inpatient and outpatient neuroscience programs. The hospital currently has a 236-bed capacity, with 48 of those beds designated for pediatric patients, including 20 specifically for inpatient autism care. The hospital’s significant reliance on Medicaid, which makes up 85% of its revenue, presents notable financial challenges.

Diane Chace, chair of the board, expressed confidence in Durand, highlighting her experience and leadership capabilities to enhance the hospital’s commitment to its mission. Durand aims to formulate a strategic plan and formalize the physician recruitment process to strengthen the hospital’s service offerings.

Technology Integration and Workforce Challenges

Durand also recognizes the importance of leveraging technology in healthcare, with plans to incorporate artificial intelligence into hospital operations. She acknowledges ongoing workforce shortages and challenges regarding reimbursement rates as pressing issues that will need addressing under her leadership.

Despite the competitive landscape, particularly with new long-term care facilities emerging in cities like Danbury and Waterbury, Durand is optimistic that this competition can bolster the Hospital for Special Care’s brand and service delivery.

Conclusion

The appointment of Crista F. Durand as the new president and CEO marks a significant milestone for the Hospital for Special Care. Her extensive leadership experience and strategic vision will play a pivotal role in navigating the challenges ahead while enhancing the quality of care provided to patients in Connecticut and beyond.