Herman Dixon (left) chats with Al Michaels

August 12, 2008

Hospital services turned a fresh page for the Putnam community on November 11, 2006. That was the day the Charleston Area Medical Center began its operation of the hospital in Teays Valley.

The staff had faced a multitude of problems including a lack of public confidence, declining morale and a 28-year-old infrastructure in need of upgrades.

Al Michaels, CEO for the hospital, told Putnam Rotarians today that an initial check by independent consultants found 78 deficiencies at the start of operations by CAMC.

An infusion of state-of-the-art equipment, organization of support staff, and community involvement reduced the deficiencies to six by last April, and the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Health Care Organizations granted its Gold Seal of Approval.

The number of employees at the hospital was 286 two years ago; there are 365 people employed today.

Capital improvements at CAMC Teays Valley were nearly $2.2 million last year and $1.5 million will be spent this year on building and equipment.

"When the physician accreditor came in," said Michaels, "he felt that with us just taking over the facility that he would come in for four hours, look around, and then say 'Good-bye, we wouldn't be accredited.' He did not think that a facility could be acquired in that time frame and be at the level we are.

"We did receive full accreditation from the Joint Commission on on our first survey," said Michaels.

Joining Gov. Manchin and Congresswoman Capito for dedication of the new hospital were Rotarians Oshel Craigo (left) and Past-President Rick Slater (right).

CAMC Teays Valley has emphasized its role as a community hospital. Almost from its beginning, the hospital has operated under the direction of a ten-member Board of Directors balanced with physicians and community leaders including Oshel Craigo and Rick Slater. Craigo is a member of Putnam Rotary and Slater has served as president of the local club.