Maricopa Integrated Health System

September 27, 2012 (Phoenix, Az.) – Maricopa Integrated Health System President and CEO Betsey Bayless today announced she will be leaving her position in 2013. Ms. Bayless has been in charge of Arizona’s only public health system for seven years.

Susan Gerard, Chair of the MIHS Board, thanked Bayless for her many contributions.

“Betsey has overseen the transformation of MIHS from an old county hospital system to a dynamic and comprehensive public health network,” Gerard said. “Her passionate commitment to our patients and to the community has been very much appreciated.”

Under Bayless’ direction, MIHS underwent a financial turnaround; made substantial facility and equipment capital improvements; implemented a system-wide electronic medical records system; increased the number of physicians trained; achieved clinical quality accreditation; and forged an affiliation agreement with the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix to become the college’s primary teaching partner.

Gerard said the Board of Directors will work diligently to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership. A national search will be undertaken, a process expected to take six to nine months.

Bayless thanked the MIHS staff and members of the community for their support.

“I did not come to this decision lightly,” she said. “The last seven years have been greatly rewarding. It has been an honor to serve the Maricopa Special Health Care District Board of Directors. I thank them for the opportunity. And it has been a privilege to serve the community as President and CEO of this great organization.

“After 40 years in public service - as a Maricopa County Supervisor, state agency director, Secretary of State and MIHS President and CEO – it is time for me to look ahead to the next chapter in my life,” Bayless added.

Under Bayless’ leadership, MIHS has:

• Opened a new Pediatric Emergency Center at the Arizona Children’s Center, dramatically improving the way we deliver care to our youngest patients.
• Made significant upgrades at the Comprehensive Healthcare Center and our Family Health Centers, where our top quality doctors, nurses and medical staff provide care to an increasing numbers of residents, regardless of their ability to pay.
• Created newly renovated Labor and Delivery Rooms, a new cardiac facility and new imaging equipment. Nearly 300 patient rooms have been upgraded.
• Implemented a new electronic medical record and finance system that gives our medical staff access to nearly 300,000 patient records, including up-to-the-minute lab results.

Besides achieving financial stability, Bayless led efforts to make major investments in the public health system, installing state-of-the-art equipment and upgrading our facilities to make them more attractive and friendlier to our patients and staff.

Media Contacts:

Michael Murphy

(602) 568-0010

Judy Keane

(602) 568-7256