Lloyd Dean Among Health Care's 20 Most Influential Leaders

CHW President/CEO Calls for Continued Commitment to Health Care as a Fundamental Human Right

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - August 22, 2011 - Catholic Healthcare West (CHW) President/CEO Lloyd H. Dean has been recognized as one of the nation's top 20 most influential people in health care by Modern Healthcare magazine. This marks the fifth consecutive year Mr. Dean has been named to the list. He is ranked 19th, up from 24th in 2010.

"I am truly honored to be recognized among so many extraordinary leaders," said Mr. Dean. "I look forward to continuing my work with them to ensure that our nation's health care system delivers the best quality care in the world and that it covers all in need."

Mr. Dean went on to observe that the predominance of political leadership at the top of the list is not unexpected given the 2012 elections and the ongoing debate about the constitutionality of the health care reform law, but cautioned that change is unavoidable. "Regardless of what occurs in Washington, D.C., the health care system in the United States needs to change," Dean said. "Every day we see the impact of our broken health system on the communities we serve. We are committed to seeing that the fundamental human right of health care is a reality for everyone."

Mr. Dean took a leadership role in advocating for health care reform, both in his capacity as President/CEO for Catholic Healthcare West and as chairman of the Catholic Health Association of the United States in 2008. He also worked directly with Congressional leaders and the Obama Administration in supporting passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Under Mr. Dean's leadership, CHW has been preparing for the changing health care environment for many years.

The organization has been an early adopter of programs that improve care and lower costs. CHW's severe sepsis prevention program saved nearly 1,000 lives and reduced costs by more than $36 million over the course of three years. Additionally, a pilot Accountable Care Organization in Sacramento showed a 15 percent drop in readmissions and $15.5 million in cost savings. Over the next ten years the organization will be diversifying into ambulatory settings, launching health plan capabilities, and expanding the use of electronic health records for both caregivers and patients.

Nominations for the Modern Healthcare list were submitted by readers, narrowed by the magazine's editors, and then opened to voting. Reader selections represent 50 percent of the final outcome. Senior editors of Modern Healthcare determined the other 50 percent. In his role as President/CEO, Mr. Dean is responsible for $12 billion in assets and the overall management, strategy and direction of CHW's integrated health care system of 40 hospitals, 45 health clinics, 9 trauma centers, two medical practice groups, 55,000 employees, and 10,000 physicians. CHW serves a population spanning 22 million people throughout California, Arizona, and Nevada.

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