Big changes are coming to little Margaretville Hospital. The result for residents is likely to mean big improvements in medical care.
The 15-bed critical access care facility is getting a new executive director, after Edmond Morache announced he is resigning and returning to his hometown of Albany to pursue opportunities in long-term care.
Sandra A. Horan, a registered nurse, has been named the interim executive director of the Delaware County hospital effective Oct. 11.
“She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge,” said William Gessner, medical director of the hospital. “I have worked with Sandy for many years. She is a seasoned hospital executive and will provide the community with superb resources.”
Margaretville Hospital is affiliated with the Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley, which includes Kingston and Benedictine hospitals in Kingston, the Woodland Pond Senior continuing care community in New Paltz and the Mountainside Residential Care Center, an 82-bed facility that is affiliated with Margaretville.
Horan was the vice president of ambulatory services at Kingston Hospital, overseeing the women”™s health services, pain management, laboratory, respiratory therapy, wound care center, pharmacy and medical imaging. She has also served as the vice president of nursing for Kingston Hospital
Effective Oct. 1, Paul Llobet assumed ownership of the hospital”™s family health center in Margaretville. Plans call for the physician to operate the practice and lease office space and equipment from the hospital. Since Sept. 1, Llobet has been serving as medical director of the emergency department.
Llobet said he expects to provide additional services and testing at Margaretville so patients can receive more care in their own community. He anticipates more patients to be admitted to Margaretville Hospital rather than being transferred to a larger facility.
“We”™re going to make it as smooth a transition as possible,” Llobet said. “There will be less wait time to see the doctor. There will be also more testing such as EKGs available on site.” He said that an electronic medical record system will be added to improve care and save time and money.
Llobet is bilingual, speaking fluent Spanish in addition to English. A plus for the large number of Spanish-speaking residents in the area. A native of Miami, Llobet comes to Margaretville after being in New York City for the past three years.
Hospital officials say it is all part of the Health Alliance bid to improve care for area residents.
“Our goal is to ensure the services and programs at the hospital continues and grows for our patients, their families and the community for many generations to come,” Gessner said.
