In 2005-2006 our patients continued to be the number one focus of Visiting Nurse & Health Services of Connecticut.  The needs of our patients and the quality of care we deliver provide the framework for all of our strategic thinking, program development, service delivery, technological innovations and staffing decisions.  The Agency’s successful focus on quality care is indicated by the positive results that the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services publish.  When comparing VNHSC to other home care agencies in Connecticut and nationally, our patients demonstrated higher rates of improvement in many of the publicly reported measures that reflect well-being.

VNHSC continued to grow in 2005-2006 experiencing a 12% increase in referrals.  We expanded our service area to Enfield, opening a patient service office at 113 Elm Street in January, by years end we had a 54% increase in referrals in the Enfield area.  Our Hospice Program grew 34%, offering an array of home health, palliative care, counseling, bereavement and volunteer services to the terminally ill and their families.

During 2005-2006, we utilized new technology to enhance the efficiency of our clinical operations.  Each of our nurses is equipped with a light weight pen-based Tablet PC that enables them to access our intranet as well as to connect via wireless technology to the Agency’s computer system.  As a result we have improved our communication among staff, and provided up-to-the minute patient information to our nurses and therapists.

VNHSC highly values its employees, we are committed to attracting and retaining the most talented and  qualified people.  Our innovative recruitment and retention methods during the recent and on-going nursing shortage have kept our vacancy rate below industry benchmarks.  Our excellent retention rate results in part from providing our staff with the tools they need, continuing educational opportunities and skills training, as well as support to help them do their jobs better.

In 2006-2007 we will continue to meet our community’s needs by opening a new private duty company, “A Caring Hand”.  A Caring Hand will provide in-home long-term care to our clients that will allow them as much independence and dignity as their condition allows. 

More that that 90 years after its founding Visiting Nurse & Health Services of Connecticut  remains a vital health resource in the community.  We successfully provide care to persons young and old, of all walks of life with many different health issues.  We will continue to provide the best possible care to each of our patients, and to ensure that Visiting Nurse & Health Services of Connecticut continues to excel as a home health and hospice care provider in the years to come.

Joy Dorin
Chairperson, Board of Directors

Patricia Piela
President/CEO