In my more than 25 years at Reading Hospital, as an emergency physician and now as its president and CEO, I have never been prouder of the people who are Reading Hospital.
Over the three years of disruption caused by the pandemic, everyone here at Reading Hospital − your friends and neighbors − gave everything they had to keep our patients and our community safe. No matter how difficult, we never quit and never forgot why we are here: to care for you and your family.
Now we are emerging from this difficult period with strength and determination to carry our legacy forward. The signs of recovery are everywhere. We are adding doctors, nurses, and support staff − talented people who, in some cases, left during the pandemic and have returned because Reading Hospital is where they want to be. In fact, the number of clinical team members at Reading Hospital increased from 2,880 in 2019 (pre-pandemic) to 2,923 in 2023.
Restoring staff levels means that we are better able to fulfill our mission, serving more patients, and improving access to our world-class primary and specialty care that continues to be recognized for excellence regionally and nationally. Our experts in Cardiology, Neurology, Cancer, Emergency Care and Trauma, Maternity and Neonatology, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation, Weight Management, and other clinical areas are here and honored to serve you.
We have expanded our commitment to medical and healthcare education, training the next generation of doctors, nurses, and technicians right here in Berks County − many of whom stay here because they experience first-hand what a special place Berks County is to live, and how rewarding a career at Reading Hospital is.
We are renewing our commitment to our community − partnering with other not-for-profit agencies, local businesses, and local municipalities and state government to not only improve healthcare access to those in need but to address the social issues that impact the health of individuals and communities in Berks County.
This commitment to your health and healthcare has been the promise of Reading Hospital for more than 150 years, and it will be our promise for decades to come. Our team is strong and we are getting stronger.
These are the reasons that Reading Hospital remains the healthcare leader in Berks County, and one of the best hospitals in the country. Why go anywhere else?
Charles F. Barbera, MD, MBA, MPH, FACEP
President and CEO, Reading Hospital