Bateman to lead hospital through transition period

Southeast Missouri Hospital is experiencing an era of transition. The SoutheastHEALTH organization, which includes the Cape Girardeau Hospital, has been in a state of flux as it trims, reorganizes and attempts to be more competitive in an extremely competitive marketplace.

Last week SoutheastHEALTH announced the appointment of the man who will lead the organization through the remainder of its transformation and beyond.

Kenneth W. Bateman has arrived in Cape Girardeau to lead Southeast Hospital in the role of president and CEO, effectively replacing Wayne Smith, who retired in October after becoming CEO in 2012.

Bateman was the former chief executive for a New Jersey health-care system. He comes with plenty of hospital management experience. He was the person selected from a candidate pool of 300.

As has been reported in the Southeast Missourian, SoutheastHEALTH has experienced much movement among its executives this year, including five key members leaving their positions for retirement or other reasons. Several have been replaced, while other positions remain open.

The hospital, facing a near future with unpredictable regulatory disruption, is working through a tough introspective look at its operations in attempt to find efficiencies and cost savings. Last year the hospital, like many across the country, saw its bond rating lowered as it dealt with tough issues, including its electronic medical records system which affected billing.

Southeast's internal initiative known as APEX includes hiring an outside firm to evaluate processes across the many departments in the hospital system. The hospital is about halfway through the execution of the initiative; many tough, and perhaps unpopular, decisions have been made.

Bateman comes at a good time to help lead, guide and shape the future of the hospital. He appears to have the necessary experience to understand the complexities of a major healthcare system. He promises to engage in a good, informal communication style with employees.

Southeast Hospital, just like Saint Francis Medical Center, is vitally important to Cape Girardeau's economy. It is a massive employer, and helps keep our communities healthier. It's difficult, but necessary, to balance the needs of employees and quality healthcare with costs that are passed on to patients.

We wish Bateman and SoutheastHEALTH the best of luck as they move forward. A healthy Southeast makes for a healthy Cape Girardeau.