COLUMBIA, Tenn. – Maury Regional Health (MRH) CEO H. Alan Watson, FACHE, was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Tennessee Hospital Association (THA) at its annual meeting on October 18. This award is the highest award presented by THA and recognizes leadership and service by an individual member during his/her entire career. It also recognizes achievements and contributions to the health care industry.
“Alan is a long-time supporter of THA and has had a stellar career in health care in Tennessee. As a member of the THA Board of Directors, he was a strong chairman and currently serves as immediate past chairman,” said Craig Becker, THA president and CEO. “With a focus on high quality patient care, his leadership and commitment to rural hospitals and health care in general are to be commended. He is well-deserving of this award.”
Watson has more than 35 years of experience in health care. He has served as the CEO for MRH since 2012. Prior to taking the helm at MRH, he served as COO at the organization from 2010-2012. During his tenure, he has advanced the technology, services, community health and educational opportunities for more than 200,000 residents in southern Middle Tennessee.
Across the system of facilities, there are more than 35 accredited programs and services and the organization has been awarded numerous recognitions for quality outcomes. The two most prestigious recognitions include the 15 Top Health System and CareChex recognitions, both of which use publicly reported data to compare health care organizations.
In 2018, Maury Regional Health was named a 15 Top Health System by Watson Health, formerly Truven Health Analytics, for the fifth time in ten years for its performance on inpatient outcomes, process of care, extended outcomes, efficiency and patient experience.
CareChex, an information service of Quantros, Inc., also ranked Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) #1 in Tennessee for overall hospital care in in the area of medical excellence in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The organization was also rated as the best in the state for several service line specific areas of care. CareChex compares the performance of 4,200 hospitals across the nation and evaluates medical quality including process of care, outcomes of care and patient experience.
Among the advancements Watson has led at MRH are:
- A complete renovation and relocation of a new $12 million state-of-the-art Critical Care floor
- The establishment of a robotic surgery program utilized by specialists in urology, general surgery, gynecology and gynecologic oncology
- The consolidation of cancer services into a state-of-the-art Cancer Center
- A behavioral health unit in the MRMC Emergency Department to better serve behavioral health patients awaiting transfer to an appropriate facility
- Expanded services in the growing market of Spring Hill to include additional primary care providers, radiation oncology services, an ambulatory surgery center, OB-GYN services and physical therapy
- The expansion of services in rural areas that include physical therapy, sleep medicine and endoscopy
- Enhanced technology in the areas of surgery, imaging, heart, radiation therapy, pharmacy and nursing
- The establishment of patient support services, including palliative care, pastoral care, clinical navigators and financial navigators
- The addition of a surgical specialist in gynecologic oncology
The advancement of population health initiatives, which include an accountable care organization, disease management programs to reduce readmission rates and the designation of five primary care practices as Federally Qualified Health Centers, offering discounted care to those who financially qualify
The launch of a mobile medical unit, funded by the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation
​Supporting health care education at Columbia State Community College, Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy, Health Occupation Students of America high school programs and the Maury Academy for Students in Health hosted at MRMC annually
As a senior executive and fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Watson has served in a variety of leadership roles in professional associations, most notably past chair of the Tennessee Hospital Association (THA) and Hospital Alliance of Tennessee. Watson has been especially focused on his service to THA, which represents and serves as the advocate for hospitals and health care systems in the state. He served as chairman of the board in 2017 and has been a member of the board since 2013. His service to THA dates back to 2003 and his committee work includes service on the Executive Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Council on Government Affairs, Budget and Finance Committee and others.
“It has been a privilege to serve Maury Regional Health and the Tennessee Hospital Association as we strive to provide outstanding care in Tennessee and influence decision-makers across the nation,” said Watson. “I am honored to be presented with this award and will continue to work diligently to advance the initiatives that will sustain and enhance health care in our region.”
Watson (right) is pictured with THA Board Chairman Marvin Eichorn.