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Hospital Association Honors Outstanding Service in Health Care - Portsmouth Regional Hospital CEO Recognized with Prestigious Award [9/20/07]

The New Hampshire Hospital Association recently honored leaders in health care. The awards were presented at the association’s 73rd Annual Meeting at the Mount Washington Resort Hotel in Bretton Woods.

Locally, William J. Schuler, President of Portsmouth Regional Hospital, received the Leslie A. Smith President’s Award, bestowed upon him as an individual who has made an exceptional contribution directly to the NH Hospital Association.  Mr. Schuler has been involved with the hospital association longer than any other member hospital CEO.  Mr. Schuler has contributed significantly to the association’s advocacy efforts behind the scenes, using his personal and professional connections to help member hospitals get their message to the right people.  Having served on the association board himself, he has always encouraged his key executives and senior staff to participate in association initiatives.

Mr. Schuler is the longest tenured hospital Chief Executive Officer in New Hampshire.  He has been with Hospital Corporation of America since November of 1979.  Joining Portsmouth Hospital in 1984, he successfully managed the $50 million construction project for the community’s replacement effort, creating the new Portsmouth Regional Hospital, which opened in February of 1987. Now as Portsmouth Regional Hospital celebrates its 20th Anniversary, Mr. Schuler is overseeing a $63 million dollar expansion project that will transform the current hospital.  When completed, more than 50 percent of the hospital will either be renovated or completely brand new.

The New Hampshire Hospital Association, a not-for-profit affiliate of the American Hospital Association, serves as a state and federal advocate for hospitals, provides education and information to its members, and informs the public about health care issues.  The Association’s mission is to enhance the clinical and economic performance of hospitals, improve confidence in hospitals and expand access to coverage and care for the citizens of New Hampshire.