Founded with a pioneering spirit, Salem Hospital opened its doors in 1896,
with five patient beds, $752 in citizen donations, two nurses, a superintendent, a medical student who served as house physician, and a janitor.

In 1914 four physicians opened an urgently needed hospital in Dallas with the proceeds from a stock sale and a $5,000 loan.

These two hospitals were created to serve our community. Throughout this 111-year history, those of us charged with the stewardship of the community’s trust have ensured the consistent provision of muchneeded care and have provided many benefits for our entire region.

In addition to offering high-quality services today, we must always look to the future. We are addressing the need for current and future healthcare providers through proactive physician and nurse recruitment as well as programs that cultivate in our local young people an interest in healthcare as a career.

In this Community Benefit Report, you will read about these and many other benefits our two hospitals provide.

—Chuck Hudkins, Chairman, Board of Trustees

More than 100 years ago, Salem Hospital treated its first patient. Technology has changed over the years, but our commitment has remained the same: to provide safe, top-quality care to every person in our community.

This report offers a brief overview of the many ways we benefit you and our community, from managing our limited resources and adopting quality improvement measures to educating people on how to stay well.

We also share how we’ve been noticed—on a national level—for our commitment to excellence.

For 2007 our cardiac surgery program has been recognized by HealthGrades, the nation’s leading independent healthcare ratings company, as the best in Oregon and in the top 5 percent in the nation. Our Intensive Care Unit was the first in the state to receive the coveted Beacon Award. This award is given by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and is specifically designated to recognize the nation’s top hospital critical-care units.

Looking toward your future, we are building a new patient-care tower, set to open in early 2009. To help our patients heal and to accommodate the latest in treatment technology, this new building features the best in healthcare-facility design.

With ongoing investments in leading-edge technology and facilities, as well as a caring, exceptionally trained staff, we will continue to be a top-performing healthcare leader. Our commitment to excellence is our commitment to you.

—Norm Gruber, President and Chief Executive Officer

Mission
We strive to improve the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve.

Vision
We will. . .

• Be a top performing healthcare leader
• Be the first choice for people seeking healthcare
• Be the first choice for physicians, employees and volunteers
• Be a safe environment with a culture of continuous quality improvement

Our Core Commitments
Quality: Clinical quality second to none.
Service: Service excellence that exceeds expectations.
People: The health system of choice for physicians, employees and volunteers.
Performance: Performance that sustains our mission.
Community: Be a valued and integral part of the communities we serve.