ST. PAUL, MN -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 02/05/08 -- Cathy Barr, formerly HealthEast Vice President for Community Based Services and HealthEast Home Care Senior Director, has been named CEO of Bethesda Hospital.

Bethesda Hospital, located in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) that treats more than 1,200 people each year who require intensive rehabilitation following severe injury or illness. Its mission is to help patients managing complex medical conditions reinvent their lives as rich and meaningful and to empower them to overcome barriers and make the most of their abilities and talents.

Barr, a nine-year veteran of HealthEast executive leadership, previously provided strategic guidance in growing a variety of services that address the region's (and the country's) changing demographics, including a need for more responsive community based resources.

Barr's new position at Bethesda, which attracts patients from care facilities across the country, will be responsible for a wide array of integrated programs that treat the physical, emotional, spiritual and social aspects of each individual. The hospital offers a full spectrum of programs under one roof including respiratory care, geriatric behavioral services, and rehabilitation care for patients recovering from stroke, major multiple trauma, spinal cord injury, amputation, or neurological diseases. It also offers services for individuals suffering from traumatic brain injury, dementia, concussions, and Parkinson's disease.

Barr's experiences in creating programs that help patients manage chronic diseases and her track record in helping local health care professional organizations develop legislative priorities that positively impact patient quality outcomes made her a natural choice for the position, according to Ann Schrader, HealthEast COO. "Cathy is an innovator; she not only knows how to deliver health care in a manner that makes patient care the number one priority, but she also knows how to establish a workplace that is vibrant and respectful."

A former nurse who understands the difference that compassionate care can make to a patient's recovery, Barr is committed to continuing the "legacy of excellence" she said was forged by former CEO, Frank Indihar. "Bethesda has both a local and national reputation as the place to send patients following a life-altering event. It's an honor to take the reins of such an outstanding organization. As we approach our 125th anniversary, I see our focus remaining on patient satisfaction, quality patient outcomes, and employee engagement."

Among her top priorities, Barr is working on legislative reform to help LTACHs establish new facility and medical requirements. She has also opened discussions on how a facility such as Bethesda can help veterans returning from Iraq suffering from traumatic brain injuries when military and VA hospitals are full.

Barr holds an MBA from the University of St. Thomas as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Niagara University in New York.

HealthEast Care System is a community-focused, non-profit health care organization that provides innovative technology, compassionate care and a full spectrum of family health services. HealthEast includes Bethesda Hospital, St. John's Hospital, St. Joseph's Hospital and Woodwinds Health Campus as well as outpatient services, clinics, home care, pharmacies and medical transportation services. Practicing financial responsibility, HealthEast is the largest, locally-owned health care organization in the Twin Cities' East Metro with 7,000 employees and 1,400 physicians on staff.

Contact:
Lynn Sadoff
Senior Public Relations Specialist
HealthEast Care System
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