MUSC Health Midlands Demonstrates Momentum in Finance, Service, and Quality Care
The MUSC Health-Midlands Division is witnessing extraordinary improvements that many healthcare leaders across the nation could only dream of. In a challenging period when many healthcare systems are struggling with decreasing financial margins and increasing challenges, MUSC Health Midlands is heading in the opposite direction. This is according to CEO Matthew Littlejohn, who stated, “We’re doing the opposite at a scale that you don’t see in many places these days”.
The Midlands Division, which oversees hospitals in downtown Columbia, Northeast Columbia, Kershaw and an emergency and imaging site in Fairfield County has reported major financial improvement in the past year. This includes a significant increase in revenue, disciplined cost control while simultaneously expanding services and boosting patient satisfaction rates. The MUSC Health-Midlands Division purchased the four sites in 2021 to expand its services through cities and rural communities, such as Kershaw, across the state. The aim wasn’t just to maintain the status quo, but to enhance service delivery and improve the overall patient experience.
Expands Services Offering Locally
Littlejohn shared that a vast portion of their improvements in the Midlands involves making their services more balanced and comprehensive. They’ve introduced new options for patients that were previously unavailable, including urology, colorectal surgery, retina surgery, and plastic surgery.
Additionally, the Midlands team has nurtured a culture of success measurement. According to Littlejohn, this determination to improve has helped them gain significant momentum. As a Columbia native, Littlejohn feels that his deep connection with the community has accelerated the improvement plan’s adoption and execution.
Awards and Recognition
As a testament to their creditable progress, the MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown has been recognized as a high-performing center in heart failure and hip replacement by the U.S. News & World Report. Littlejohn also commended the other Midlands sites, stating they’re “focused on the right things” and are achieving tremendous success.
Focusing on Quality Care Delivery
Matthew Littlejohn, who has held executive positions at Community Health Systems in Tennessee and Bon Secours Health System in Greenville, stresses the importance of patient satisfaction. He acknowledges that while growing volumes and improving finances are essential, patients’ primary concern is quality care. Therefore, he points out, the MUSC Health-Midlands Division remains committed to providing the highest quality care to its patients.
