Aspen Valley Hospital and Mayo Clinic Announce Collaboration

ASPEN, Colo. — Mayo Clinic and Aspen Valley Hospital officials announced today that the hospital was recently selected to be a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, which was established by Mayo to extend its knowledge and expertise to physicians and providers interested in working together to enhance the delivery of health care within their communities. Aspen Valley Hospital (AVH) is the first network member in Colorado.

"AVH is honored to be the first hospital in Colorado selected to be a Mayo Clinic Care Network member," says John Sarpa, interim CEO at Aspen Valley Hospital. "Sharing a common philosophy, commitment and mission to improve the delivery of health care through the use of best practices and evidence-based medical care provides a solid foundation for this collaboration."

Aspen Valley Hospital providers now have access to Mayo Clinic resources to enhance patient care, including the latest Mayo-vetted medical information through its AskMayoExpert database and electronic consulting that connects physicians with Mayo Clinic experts on questions of diagnosis, therapy or care management.

"It's a pleasure to formalize this relationship with Aspen Valley Hospital," says Wyatt Decker, M.D., vice president of Mayo Clinic and CEO of Mayo Clinic in Arizona. "Collaborating with other medical providers to provide the best possible care for patients has always been part of Mayo Clinic's culture. The Mayo Clinic Care Network helps Mayo and community hospitals like Aspen Valley work closer together, in new ways, to enhance the lives of patients. We are delighted to welcome Aspen Valley Hospital as the first Colorado location."

Chris Beck, M.D., president of the Aspen Valley Hospital medical staff is excited about the possibilities. "The challenges of medicine in this modern age demand that we seek and share vast amounts of knowledge, says Dr. Beck. "Things constantly and rapidly change — new protocols, new technology, new medications, etc. This collaboration with Mayo Clinic will enhance the outstanding care AVH physicians already provide."

"This is one more step in Aspen Valley Hospital's evolution," says Barry Mink, M.D., president of the hospital board of directors and member of the medical staff for 40 years. "Our small-town hospital provides a level of care one would expect in a major medical center, and becoming a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network reflects our commitment to the highest standards of medical care for local residents and visitors to the area."

The Mayo Clinic Care Network represents non-ownership relationships. Members of the network remain independent and share a goal of improving the delivery of health care in their communities through high-quality, collaborative medical care. Launched in 2011, the Mayo Clinic Care Network now has members in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Dakota and Wisconsin as well as Puerto Rico and Mexico.

About Aspen Valley Hospital Aspen Valley Hospital is a 25-bed critical access hospital that is known for its state-of-the-art technology and personalized delivery of care. For more information, visit www.avhaspen.org.

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