I hope you are as optimistic as we are going into 2025. Keep reading to see highlights from 2024 and our plans to make 2025 even more successful.

Best regards,

Steven Kroll

Chair, Board of Directors Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network

Bassett Healthcare Network made many efforts in 2024 to enhance its workforce and address critical issues with access to care. By prioritizing recruitment efforts across a wide range of clinical positions, we have strengthened our ability to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care to the communities we serve.

In total, Bassett Healthcare Network filled 1,476 positions across various departments and facilities in 2024. These hires include:

• 420 Nurses, These additions have significantly improved staffing ratios, making our care across the network more timely and effective.
• 29 Physicians: New doctors have expanded our capacity in primary care, specialty services, and hospital-based practices.
• 63 Advanced Practice Clinicians (APCs): Nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, and certified nurse anesthesiologists are playing critical roles in addressing healthcare needs, particularly in underserved areas.

These hiring efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive care that not only strengthens our workforce but also enhances our ability to meet growing healthcare demands in our region.

Recognizing the persistent challenges with access to care, Bassett has implemented targeted strategies to bridge gaps:

• Telehealth Expansion: This Increases access to remote consultations -which is especially important when serving patients in rural and underserved areas.
•  Incentives for Rural Placement: Offering competitive benefits attracts skilled professionals to our most underserved locations.
• Streamlined Onboarding and Training: Integrating new hires efficiently, empowers them to make an immediate impact in our communities.

As we reflect on 2024, these recruitment efforts highlight Bassett's dedication to improving healthcare access and outcomes. By continuing to invest in our workforce, we are building a resilient and compassionate healthcare system that meets the needs of our communities, now and in the future.

This past December, an elderly patient required urgent gallbladder surgery just days before Christmas. During the procedure, the surgical team at Bassett Medical Center identified common bile duct stones, a complication that would typically require a separate procedure. Previously, a patient in this situation would have had to wait until after the holidays for the second procedure or transfer to another institution, likely hours away, with an uncertain timeline for care. However, thanks to the new bile duct exploration equipment purchased through donor generosity, the surgical team was able to remove the bile duct stones during the same surgery.

This timely intervention allowed the patient to return home over the weekend, just in time to spend the holidays comfortably with her family. Instead of facing prolonged hospitalization or a stressful transfer, she received comprehensive care in one procedure, close to home.



This story highlights the transformative impact of donor-funded equipment. Your contributions enable Bassett to provide advanced, timely care that improves patient outcomes and enhances quality of life. Thank you for making stories like this possible.

Together, we are delivering exceptional care when it’s needed most.

The demand for skilled nurses in rural Upstate New York is growing, and an exciting new partnership is stepping up to address the challenge. Maria College, SUNY Cobleskill, and Bassett Healthcare Network have joined forces to expand nursing education and strengthen the region’s healthcare workforce.

Starting in January 2025, Maria College will bring its 16-month Practical Nurse Certificate Program to the Cobleskill area. As a weekend program, it allows students to train as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) while balancing other commitments. The long-term vision for this partnership includes expanding access to Maria College’s associate and bachelor’s degrees in nursing for rural students.

This collaboration offers future nurses access to top-tier faculty, advanced simulation technology, and hands-on clinical experience at Bassett Healthcare Network’s hospitals, community health centers, and school-based health facilities across Central New York. Additionally, students can contract with SUNY Cobleskill for housing and childcare support, making the program more accessible for working adults and career changers.

Leaders from all three institutions see this initiative as a major step toward addressing the rural nursing shortage, ensuring high-quality healthcare for underserved communities, and fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Want to learn more about this groundbreaking initiative?

With cancer diagnoses rising each year, the Bassett Cancer Institute has recognized the urgent need to expand access to cancer care. In fall 2023, Friends of Bassett launched a fundraising initiative, pledging to raise $3.5 million to support this crucial effort.

The Bassett Cancer Expansion Initiative includes the expansion of an existing space at the FoxCare Center in Oneonta, as well as the purchase of a new mobile cancer screening coach—bringing lifesaving screenings to underserved communities. By the close of 2024, Friends had raised just over $2 million toward their goal. They remain committed to completing this initiative by the end of 2025.

This expansion will ensure that more patients receive timely screenings, treatment, and support close to home. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are making significant strides in the fight against cancer. If you would like to learn more about this critical initiative, please visit our website. Together we can help give our communities access to the care they need, right at their doorstep.