PAINESVILLE, Ohio, June 12, 2009 - After years of redefining health care in Northeast Ohio, Lake Hospital System has redefined itself. Lake Hospital System today announced that it has adopted a new name—Lake Health. The new name reflects the health system’s 107-year heritage of progressive growth, and its evolution from a single hospital to a comprehensive health system that includes two state-of-the-art community hospitals; an outpatient medical campus and surgery center; four urgent care facilities; a rehabilitation and wellness center; chronic health care clinics; an integrative medicine program; a cancer center; and a physician network comprised of 57 doctors.

More than a year was spent planning for the identity change, which marks an exciting new phase in the history of the health system.

“The board members, administration, medical staff and I agreed that timing is perfect for the name change as we prepare to open TriPoint Medical Center this October,” explained John F. Platz, chairman of the Lake Health Board of Trustees. “The transition from Lake Hospital System to Lake Health reflects our health care philosophy: patient- and family-centered care that promotes a lifetime of health and wellness.”

“Our new name and logo clearly communicate what differentiates our health system. Everything we do revolves around patients and their families. It’s not about episodic care. It’s about improving the long-term health of this community one patient and one family at a time,” said Cynthia Moore-Hardy, president and CEO of Lake Health.

According to Moore-Hardy, the health system remains an independent, not-for-profit charitable organization, and operations at the system’s eight medical facilities are unaffected. However, she said the community will notice visible changes in the form of new signage at all Lake Health facilities.

“We see our rebranding initiative as more of a brand elevation. We’re capitalizing on the strength and reputation of Lake Hospital System, while reflecting the organization’s dynamic growth as a comprehensive health system,” she explained.

The new logo features a large field of dark blue—the same blue found in the hospital system’s former logo—and an organic wave pattern, both designed to pay homage to Lake Erie and Lake County. A triad of wave shapes in yellow, light blue, and green represent Lake Health’s commitment to caring for the whole person: body, mind and spirit; and the connection between physicians, the hospital system and the community.

As part of the name change, West Medical Center Hospital in Willoughby has been renamed West Medical Center. Similarly, LakeEast Hospital in Painesville will be known as LakeEast Medical Center (until it closes on October 21, 2009, when TriPoint Medical Center opens.)

The Lake Health Physician Group physician network, an affiliate of Lake Hospital System, has been renamed Lake Health Physician Group to emphasize the strong connection between the system and the physician group.

“Practicing in a community-based setting enables us to provide high quality, compassionate care that puts patients and their families first and invites them to be active participants in their own health and wellness,” said John Ferron, MD, general surgeon and president of the Lake Health medical staff.

Putting the needs of patients and their families first is what has distinguished the health system since it was born 107 years ago through grass roots effort. In 1902 Lake County’s first chartered hospital was formed when the New Connecticut Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution initiated a drive to provide a hospital for the Painesville area. Just two years later, the Painesville Hospital Association opened its doors in the Stephen Matthews residence on Washington Street.

The early days of Painesville Hospital were characterized by financial difficulties and “growing pains” caused by the exploding population. In 1924, the Lake County commissioners took control of Painesville Hospital, and it officially became Lake County Memorial Hospital. The hospital operated as a county facility until it became a private entity in 1985 when Lake Hospital System assumed operations.

Lake Health is investing $155 million in TriPoint Medical Center in Concord Township, which will employ state-of-the-art digital and wireless technology to offer patients not just the best care, but the safest care. Built to enhance healing, the new facility features an evidence-based design that seamlessly connects the hospital’s interior to its natural surroundings. Integrative medicine therapies such as healing touch and music therapy will also be offered to address the emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and families.

“From private patient rooms that overlook natural greenery and streams to the latest medical technology, TriPoint Medical Center will enable us to continue to provide the most progressive health care in a natural, healing environment for our patients and their families,” explained Moore-Hardy.

Beyond TriPoint Medical Center, Lake Health has invested millions systemwide on new technology and facility improvements that support the hospital system’s patient- and family-centered philosophy of care. A philosophy Moore-Hardy characterizes as a “quantum leap beyond customer service.”

From its beginning in a leased mansion to the eight-facility health care provider of today, Lake Health dedicates all of its efforts to meeting the health care needs of Lake County and surrounding communities through a comprehensive network that includes more than 500 physicians and over 2,600 team members.

“This is an exciting time for all of us as we continue to expand and grow to keep our promise to the community,” Moore-Hardy said.

To learn more about Lake Health and TriPoint Medical Center, please visit www.lakehealth.org