FOCUSING ON CARE NEW CHIEF OF MEDICAL STAFF SEES BRIGHT FUTURE FOR HOSPITAL.

Byline: Kathleen Sweeney Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - In recent months, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital has filed for bankruptcy, taken criticism and struggled to boost staff morale to keep the financially strapped hospital functioning.

As the new chief of staff, Dr. Floyd Katske envisions a flourishing hospital with employees and patients who feel confident in the administration and medical care.

Katske, a urologist with administrative experience in both the public and private sectors, has already begun working toward that goal since becoming medical chief of staff just a few weeks ago.

``The goal is to re-establish in the mind of the community the really fabulous institution we have,'' he said. ``I believe this hospital is a really fine hospital and has a unique circumstance of being the only hospital in a very large community.''

Tapping the community for input and making a point of staying in the public eye, Katske is making weekly rounds to visit staff members - from nurses to food-service workers - to discuss any problems or answer any questions.

``Whatever issues need to be dealt with, we will deal with,'' Katske said. ``Any immediate issue no longer has to flow through proper channels.''

He assumed the top medical staff position less than two months after the hospital board filed for Chapter 11 reorganization of the hospital. Some employees continued to complain about long-standing policies and poor management.

Some say that underqualified nurses have replaced others who left through a virtual revolving door in nursing and that too few doctors have been joining the staff each year.

Katske looks at the system differently, saying there have been misunderstandings.

Last year, the hospital added more than 60 physicians to the staff and is in the process of adding 10 more, he said. He said staff doctors are being expected to get involved with the hospital, attend staff meetings and create a better working environment.

The hospital's top administrator said he is confident that Katske will help improve communications.

``We look forward to a productive and highly collaborative relationship with the new members of the medical executive committee,'' said Roger Seaver, Newhall Memorial chief executive officer. ``As head of the committee, Dr. Katske brings experience and expertise that can only be provided by an established physician and health-care leader of his caliber.''

The New York native earned his medical degree from George Washington University in 1976 as a Calvin Klopp Surgical Scholar. He began working at Newhall Memorial more than 20 years ago after moving to Los Angeles in 1978 to complete a residency at the University of California, Los Angeles, Center for Health Service. He resides in Westwood.

Katske will hold the volunteer, rotating position for two years and is up to the challenge.

``The most critical thing is the medical staff is very supportive of this hospital,'' he said. ``The vast, vast majority of staff have a great deal of confidence in the hospital. We all look forward to what will be a good year.''

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(color) Dr. Floyd Katske