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Richard A. Hanson

CLEVELAND, Ohio — University Hospitals will fill its newly created president of UH Community Hospitals and Ambulatory Networks spot with Richard A. Hanson on Jan. 15.

The regional health system created the spot two weeks ago when it announced a reorganization to streamline its operations so that it can continue to grow despite uncertain times in the hospital industry. UH also said it would add about 500 jobs next year.

Hanson comes from Bon Secours Health System, the not-for-profit Catholic health system based in Marriottsville, Md., where he was senior vice president of Performance Management. Previously, he was CEO of the system’s Hampton Roads Health System in Norfolk, Va.

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He will be responsible clinical operations at UH’s extensive network of six community hospitals, 18 ambulatory centers, UH Home Care Services and UH Extended Care Campus in Chardon. UH made this change to accommodate growth of its outpatient health centers, Dr. Achilles Demetriou, newly appointed chief operating officer, said two weeks ago.

“Richard brings an outstanding track record of success in leading a large multi-state network of health care facilities,” says Thomas F. Zenty III, UH’s chief executive officer, in a written statement. “His wealth of experience and results-driven leadership will serve to ensure University Hospitals’ commitment to providing our patients seamless access to efficient, high-quality care throughout our entire health system.”

The reorganization comes as UH enters the final stretch of Vision 2010, its $1.2 billion strategic plan, which includes University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center, being built in Beachwood, as well as a cancer hospital taking shape and neonatal intensive care unit opened earlier this year at its main Cleveland campus. It also comes at a time when federal health care reform and a new Ohio hospital franchise fee threaten inefficient health systems.

“We are excited to have Richard join our UH family at a time when we are in the process of seeing our Vision 2010 strategic plan come to fruition,” Demetriou said in the statement. “He will play a significant role in the operations and continued growth of our new outpatient health centers and our community hospitals throughout the region.”