Watertown Regional Medical Center Shares its 2023 Community Benefit Report

The report outlines the hospital’s continued impact on the health and well-being of the communities it serves in Dodge and Jefferson counties.

WATERTOWN, Wisconsin (May 22, 2024) – Watertown Regional Medical Center (WRMC) recently published its community benefit and economic impact report for the 2023 calendar year. The report details some of the ways the hospital positively contributes to Watertown and the surrounding communities, and spotlights how it continues to support the health and well-being of those who live and work in the area.

“2023 marked an incredible year for Watertown Regional Medical Center ‒ a year in which our hospital earned several prestigious, national accolades for healthcare excellence,” said Richard Keddington, CEO of WRMC. “In the process of providing high-quality, compassionate, and even award-winning care, Watertown continued to make an impact on our surrounding communities that is felt even beyond our hospital walls. As this report details, we are a critical partner and benefactor to Dodge and Jefferson counties as a healthcare provider, large employer and taxpayer, and supporter of local charitable organizations, among other things. We treasure our partnership with Watertown and relish the opportunity to positively impact the area.”

Watertown Regional’s 2023 community benefit report highlights the hospital’s continued efforts to meet the growing healthcare needs of its communities through welcoming new providers, expanding service lines and continually investing in its facilities and healthcare technology. For example, in 2023, Watertown added 57 employed and affiliated providers to maintain or expand services and made more than $4.9 million in capital improvements, including the remodeling of its Pharmacy and the installation of a new MRI machine.

Additionally, Watertown provided more than $10.5 million in uncompensated or charitable health services, demonstrating its continued commitment to ensuring everyone has access to care, regardless of their ability to pay.

WRMC is also devoted to creating environments where providers want to practice, and employees want to work. In 2023, the hospital distributed more than $44 million in salaries, wages, and benefits to its approximately 650 employees, and contributed more than $260,000 in professional development and tuition assistance so its team members have the opportunity to learn and improve the care they provide their patients.

The report shares several examples of how WRMC is continually seeking ways to make a positive impact in the communities it serves. Last year, for instance, the organization paid approximately $5.5 million in provider, payroll, property, and sales taxes, displaying its commitment to fiscal responsibility that contributes to the area’s economic well-being.

The hospital is also honored to have supported local activities and organizations that positively impact the region, including the Bentzin Family Town Square, Crossroads Landing Park (Johnson Creek), Dodge County ‘Out of the Darkness’ Walk, Donut Dash, Glacial Heritage Development, Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation, Johnson Creek Nickel Night, Kraemer’s Make-a-Wish Golf Outing, Lights N Sirens, Rainbow Hospice, Riverfest, River City Volleyball, Run Turkey Run, Tour Da Goose (Ride to support Rock River Community Clinic), Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce, Watertown Area YMCA, Watertown EMS, Watertown Food Pantry, Watertown Family Connections, Watertown High School, Watertown Police Department, Watertown Santa House, and Watertown Senior Fair, among others.

“Hospitals like Watertown Regional earn the trust and support of the surrounding areas through a partnership that includes exceptional patient outcomes and experiences and an ongoing commitment to give back to the community we call home,” added Keddington. “We are honored to be the area’s preferred healthcare provider and to support so many organizations with a similar goal of helping others. Our century-plus history in Watertown is a testament to the strength of our partnership and the support that we give ‒ and receive ‒ from our broader community.”

Watertown Regional Medical Center’s complete 2023 community benefit report is available by going to www.watertownregional.com/community-impact on the hospital’s website.

About Watertown Regional Medical Center
Watertown Regional Medical Center (WRMC) has been providing the residents of Dodge and Jefferson counties in southeast Wisconsin with excellent healthcare for over 115 years. By placing patients’ needs first, services have grown to include Emergency, Primary Care, Women’s Health, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Heart and Vascular, Neurology, Pulmonology, Ophthalmology, and many other services. Watertown Regional Medical Center is a joint venture between the Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation and ScionHealth. For more information and to see a complete list of the services offered, visit www.watertownregional.com.