Cayuga Health has appointed a new Chief Nursing Officer.
Dr. Debra Morton was selected following a national search and interview process that included nurses, physicians and administrators across the health system. Morton will be responsible for the strategic leadership and vision for Nursing and Patient Services, and ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
“I am pleased to join Cayuga Health to shape the future of nursing practice,” said Morton. “I was impressed by Cayuga Health nurses’ dedication to providing excellent care in a community setting and am confident that together, we will achieve new levels of nursing innovation and achievement typically only realized in larger more urban settings. I am excited to collaborate with other members of the executive team and healthcare providers to optimize patient care delivery, improve interdisciplinary communication, and enhance patient satisfaction.”
Morton started on September 30 and she will report directly to Dr. Martin Stallone, President & CEO of Cayuga Health.
“Debra’s proven expertise in patient experience will bring a next-level focus on efforts already underway at Cayuga Health,” stated Stallone. “As our organization evolves into an Integrated Delivery Network, the complexity of operations has also advanced. Debra’s experience in clinical operations will be invaluable to the Cayuga Health team as we continue to navigate the challenging healthcare landscape. Her strategic vision and inspirational leadership style will provide direction and support to our Nurses and patient care staff during a critical time of change.”
Morton joins Cayuga Health with over 30 years of acute care experience in hospital operations, strategic planning, operational and financial improvement, staff empowerment, labor relations and quality management. Morton previously held the role of Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Lifebridge Health Sinai Hospital, a 483-bed teaching hospital and level 2 trauma center (Baltimore MD). Previous experience also includes leadership roles at Kaiser Permanente and Dignity Health in California. Morton trained at Geisinger School of Nursing (Danville, PA), Thomas Jefferson University (Philadelphia, PA) and earned a doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of San Francisco.
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