Quick Read:
- We have initiated a Mission Forward 90-day action plan, which focuses on high-priority areas of work.
- The plan involves defining specific short-term initiatives, identifying metrics and tracking measurable financial impacts.
- In parallel, our assessment of longer-term opportunities continues.
- Through Mission Forward, we remain committed to ensuring we can deliver high-quality, equitable patient care and supporting the well-being of our staff, faculty, trainees and students.
Earlier this fall, we launched Mission Forward to identify opportunities to improve UW Medicine’s financial performance, increase operational efficiency and preserve our ability to provide high-quality, equitable patient care to our community. Over the past two months, important work has occurred to assess short- and long-term opportunities with help from our partners at Huron Consulting. Today, we are announcing a 90-day action plan to bring structured focus to a select number of high-priority areas, while preserving our high standard of patient care.
The 90-day action plan, which builds on existing improvement areas, began last week and positions us to make meaningful progress through mid-March. Work teams have been assembled to focus on specific areas — schedule optimization, revenue cycle and length of stay, for example — and are tasked with defining specific short-term initiatives, identifying metrics and tracking measurable financial impacts. Work team leaders will report on progress to an operations oversight group.
In parallel, we continue working with Huron to complete the formal assessment phase of Mission Forward. That work should conclude by February and will build on the activities outlined in the 90-day action plan, providing an important transition to our broader Mission Forward design and implementation phases. As part of our ongoing work, we are forming an advisory group to evaluate how Mission Forward can support our commitment to providing equitable care, and we will continue to consider impacts on our staff, faculty, trainees and students through a well-being lens.
Please continue to share your ideas for improvement to ideas4MF@uw.edu. We appreciate the many suggestions we have received so far and welcome further input. Additionally, we will launch a dedicated page on the Huddle in January as a central resource for Mission Forward information.
Despite our current challenges, we wrap up the year optimistic and grateful for all you do in supporting the unique role UW Medicine plays in our community to improve the health of all people. You are each a critical part of our success, and your impact is felt throughout the region.
Thank you for your continued care and support of our patients and each other. We look forward to sharing more about Mission Forward in the weeks and months ahead.
Sincerely,
Timothy H. Dellit, MD
Interim CEO, UW Medicine
Interim Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs and
Interim Dean of the School of Medicine,
University of Washington
Cynthia Dold
Interim President, UW Medicine Hospitals & Clinics
Interim Vice President for Medical Affairs,
University of Washington
