Supporting Our Healthcare System

Written By: Luke Osteen | Issue: 2020/03 - March

Tom Neal was named chief executive officer and chief nursing officer for Highlands-Cashiers Hospital in December.

He brings more than 30 years of progressive healthcare experience and a diverse skill set in acute care, behavioral health and post-acute operations.

Tom most recently held CEO positions at hospitals for Community Health Systems (CHS). During his time with CHS, he served as Chief Executive Officer of both Berwick Hospital Center in Berwick, PA, and Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, Ronceverte, WV. As CEO of Berwick Hospital Center, Tom helped to rebuild their primary care physician base and also helped bring about significant improvements in patient experience scores, safety and quality outcomes.

All of this means he brings a deep knowledge of the possibilities and pitfalls that come with taking the reins of a small rural hospital. 

“Of course, we’re all aware of the physician and nursing shortages which are accentuated in rural areas,”  Neal says. “That’s why we’re addressing factors that are barriers to potential employees, partnering with local colleges like Southwestern Community College and Western Carolina University to support healthcare education, creating a culture that makes Highlands-Cashiers Hospital a great place to work and practice, and leveraging parent company Hospital Corporation of America’s (HCA) strong recruitment resources.”

Neal is quick to point out that the hospital already enjoys advantages not found in many healthcare facilities found in small communities.

“At its core, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital has several factors that ensure we can achieve our goals for delivering first-rate healthcare – great staff, strong community support, and an outstanding facility,” he says.

Neal says every day he’s presented with evidence of that strong community support.

“The Plateau is truly a beautiful place with wonderful people who truly care about their hospital,” he says. “The community is very engaged and supportive of the hospital and the Fidelia Eckerd Living Center.

“Anecdotally, I just had the opportunity to meet with members of The Mountain Garden Club. They’ve invested an enormous amount of time tending the garden of the Eckerd Living Center. With the advent of spring, this garden will be beautiful and a blessing to the residents and their families, and the staff, who can certainly use a daily dose of tranquility and beauty.

“That’s just one example of how the Highlands-Cashiers community is making this hospital a remarkable asset for everyone.”

by Luke Osteen