Catholic Medical Center Thrives Under HCA Healthcare: A Focus on Stability, Growth & Faith
Manchester, NH – As joining HCA Healthcare in february, Catholic Medical Center (CMC) in Manchester, New Hampshire, has undergone a meaningful revitalization under the leadership of CEO John Skevington. Facing pre-existing financial hurdles, CMC is now experiencing a period of strategic investment, service restoration, and a renewed commitment to its Catholic identity and community presence.
Turning the Tide: Financial Stability & Service Expansion
Upon assuming the role of CEO alongside the HCA integration, Skevington prioritized two key objectives: stabilizing CMC’s financial footing and supporting its dedicated workforce through the transition. “CMC faced significant financial challenges prior to the acquisition, and we have needed to make a number of investments to get us back on the track to a position of strength,” Skevington explained to Becker’s Hospital Review.
HCA Healthcare has demonstrably backed this commitment with over $200 million pledged for capital upgrades over the next decade. Immediate investments include a $43 million new energy plant ensuring reliable heating and cooling, and a further $46 million allocated to modernize equipment, patient care areas, and public spaces.
These investments are already yielding positive results. Leadership has successfully restored vital services previously at risk, including obstetrics, nursery care, and cardiology.”We’ve been able to preserve OB and nursery services, and rebuild other services,” Skevington proudly stated, highlighting the progress made in just under a year.
A Cardiac care Leader & Expanding Emergency Services
CMC boasts a 40-year legacy of providing cardiac care in New Hampshire, and the HCA partnership has allowed for significant enhancements. The hospital has welcomed a cardiac surgeon, recruited additional cardiologists, and invested in cutting-edge cardiac equipment. Currently performing approximately 50 open-heart surgeries monthly – the highest volume in the state – CMC is solidifying its position as a regional cardiac care leader.
Looking ahead, CMC is focused on expanding access to care. Plans are underway for a new freestanding emergency room in Nashua, slated to open in 2026. Simultaneously, the hospital is actively rebuilding its staffing pipeline and launching a new neurosurgical service line.
Navigating Integration with Openness & Support
The integration with HCA has involved a strategic blend of experienced HCA leaders and existing CMC personnel. Key positions like Chief Nursing Officer, Assistant CFO, and Vice Presidents of Human Resources and Operations have been filled by HCA talent, while retaining crucial legacy leaders like the CFO and Assistant Chief Nursing Officer.
Skevington emphasizes the importance of a unified vision. “It’s been fantastic to have that balance…and we’ve been focusing on rallying around a collective vision: sustainability for the institution to be here in the long term, and then growing the organization as well.”
central to this process has been open communication and active listening. “Change is always difficult…What my team and I have been doing is being intentional about listening, trying to explain the ‘why’ behind some of the changes that are going on.”
Upholding a Catholic Mission & Strengthening community Ties
Perhaps most importantly, CMC remains steadfast in its commitment to its Catholic identity. Skevington, himself catholic, underscores the alignment between HCA Healthcare’s mission – “committed to the care and improvement of human life” – and CMC’s dedication to ”carry out Christ’s healing ministry by offering health, healing and hope.”
This commitment is reflected in the continuation of daily Mass and prayer services,
Keep reading