Veterans' Healthy Living, Fall 2014
VA New England Healthcare System Announces
Appointment of Bedford VA Medical Center Director
Croteau Brings Leadership, Proven Experience
The Department of Veterans Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of Christine Croteau as the Director of Edith Nourse Rogers Veterans Affairs Memorial Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts (Bedford VAMC). Croteau will oversee a comprehensive healthcare system with an operating budget of $180 million that provides care to approximately 18,500 unique Veterans from eastern Massachusetts.
"We are pleased to appoint Ms. Croteau as the Director of Bedford VA Medical Center," said Dr. Michael Mayo-Smith, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 1 Director. "Her sound leadership qualities and proven experience will continue to be valuable assets for the facility, the employees and volunteers, and the Veterans we are honored to serve.I anticipate a smooth transition to this role, as she previously served as the Acting Director during aperiod in which Edith Nourse Rogers was ranked as the best Medical Center in VISN 1 in Population Health (Quality) and Patient Experience as determined by Veterans."
Croteau's more than 15 years of executive health care experience in progressively challenging leadership positions includes Business Office Manager and Assistant Director, VA Boston Healthcare System, Acting Medical Center Director, Bedford VAMC, and Deputy Network Director, VISN 1.
Croteau received her Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, formerly North Adams State College, and received her Master of Business Administration from Providence College. She is a graduate of the Federal Interagency Institute for Healthcare Executives and the VHA Healthcare Leadership Institute, and a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
How is Bedford VAMC increasing access to quality care for Veterans?
Here are examples of the outstanding work being conducted at Bedford VAMC:
Additional staffing: Bedford had a part-time podiatrist who was in the process of being replaced, and we supplemented hours to make this a full-time position.
Consult management: Bedford VAMC developed an Access and Consult Team that meets weekly to focus on review of the volume of new and pending referrals to clinics and to work closely with services to ensure compliance with the consult management business rules.
Increased auditing and review of scheduling practices: The Bedford Director personally met with all facility schedulers, observed scheduling practices, and listened to the feedback provided from staff.
Increasing clinical space and capacity: Bedford is reviewing opportunities to bring enhanced specialty services on site through our partnerships with sister facilities.
Outreach: Outreach events have been enhanced to offer on-the-spot enrollment and the initial Veteran appointment.
