Lester P. Schindel, has been named CEO of Waterbury HEALTH network. Schindel served as interim CEO of the network for the past 12 months leading the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, a particularly challenging year for the organization and healthcare in general.
“I have made the Waterbury community my home and will continue to support the great work of our organization and our community. As an organization we’ve worked hard during the past year and will continue to support our community until we end the pandemic and into the future,” said Schindel.
Since March of 2020, Waterbury Hospital has cared for 863 COVID-19 positive patients, tested over 6,000 people in its outpatient testing site. Since the COVID-19 vaccine became available the network has administered more than 10,000 shots of vaccine in collaboration with community partners including Post University and the Borough of Naugatuck.
During the past year, the network transitioned Chase Outpatient Center to StayWell Health Care, Inc. and acquiring an interest in Waterbury Surgery Center adding services to the community while maintaining quality care by Waterbury HEALTH providers. In addition, the network has added new physicians expanding its primary care patient base and adding new services such as the hyperspecialized hepatobiliary surgery and urology services.
Schindel serves the greater Waterbury community as a member of the Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of Greater Waterbury.
Schindel is an accomplished hospital leader with extensive experience in developing physician practices, innovative collaborations and strong relationships with allied health providers. Schindel has previously served as president and CEO of several healthcare organization including CharterCARE Health Partners, a Prospect affiliate comprised of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island; Steward Holy Family and Merrimack Valley Hospital, a 402-bed, two-campus hospital system in Haverhill, Massachusetts and New England Sinai Hospital and Rehabilitation Center in Stoughton, Massachusetts, the largest long-term acute care hospital in the country. A graduate of Rutgers University, Schindel earned a master’s degree in health care administration from George Washington University.
About Waterbury HEALTH
Waterbury HEALTH, which includes Waterbury Hospital, Alliance Medical Group, Cardiology Associates of Greater Waterbury, VNA Health at Home and Access Rehab Centers, Greater Waterbury Imaging Center, offers comprehensive healthcare services including primary care, emergency and acute care, and home healthcare. Serving Waterbury and 11 surrounding communities in Western Connecticut, Waterbury HEALTH is a member of Prospect Medical Holdings, Inc., a national family of hospitals and healthcare networks.