FARMINGTON — Franklin Community Health Network Executive Vice President Gerald Cayer was presented the Franklin Community Health Leadership Award at the Farmington Community Rounds, hosted by Franklin Memorial Hospital on Sept. 24.

The presentation of the community health leadership award has become a highlight of FCHN’s annual meeting in recent years. Cayer was cited for advancing the availability of dental services through a collaboration with Community Dental; his leadership in a local campaign organizing men and boys to take a stand against domestic violence; and his efforts to recognize local veterans for their service to our country.

This year FCHN replaced the annual meeting tradition with informational Community Rounds in four locations: Farmington, Rangeley, Carrabassett Valley and Jay. Rebecca Ryder, FCHN president, bestowed Cayer with the award at the opening event.

Attendees of the community rounds received a printed annual report, along with updates regarding new medical staff, new services and programs, patient safety initiatives, challenges, future plans and more. Besides Ryder, presenters included Joseph Bujold, board chair; and Dr. Robert O’Reilly, medical staff president (Farmington location only).

In her presentation, Ryder mentioned facility changes including the opening of the Androscoggin Valley Medical Arts Center in Livermore Falls, a project that created a strong sense of community-wide engagement; improvements at Franklin Memorial Hospital took place in the emergency department making it a secure unit, and in the lobby where three private registration offices were added. “While new and remodeled buildings are exciting, the very best care begins with our physicians, nurses and staff,” she said.

“This past year, four new providers and one new specialty practice, Ear, Nose & Throat, joined Franklin Health medical practices. Before Dr. Michael Joseph joined our medical staff in April, it had been more than a decade since an otolaryngologist had practiced in the area,” said Ryder. “New hospital-based medical providers include a hospitalist, an emergency department doctor and three consulting outpatient providers who together offer pulmonology, cardiology and oncology specialty services.”

“In the coming year, we will continue our work toward implementation of a patient-centered medical home model (PCMH), a health care setting that facilitates partnerships among patients, their team of health care providers and when appropriate, patients’ families,” said Ryder. “The PCMH model designates a primary nurse-provider team that coordinates patient care across a continuum of settings ranging from the primary care office to specialty clinics to inpatient areas.”

The year’s highlights are featured in the network’s 2011/2012 annual report. To receive a report, contact Jill Gray in the Community Relations office at 779-2555 or 1-800-398-6031, ext. 2555. The report can also be viewed online at www.fchn.org/about/annual-report.

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