A Message from Michael Peterson, FACHE, AVH President & CEO
Throughout 2025, Androscoggin Valley Hospital (AVH) remained steadfast in its Mission to deliver high-quality, compassionate care close to home while advancing the shared goals of the North Country Healthcare (NCH) System. As part of an integrated regional network, AVH worked collaboratively to strengthen access, quality, and sustainability—ensuring that our communities continue to receive exceptional care today and into the future.
One Team, One Mission
Across NCH, 2025 was defined by a renewed commitment to One Team, One Mission—the belief that by working together across hospitals, departments, and disciplines, we can better serve patients and communities. At AVH, this System-wide approach was evident in daily operations, shared clinical services, and collaborative leadership efforts that emphasized alignment, communication, and mutual support.
By leveraging System partnerships in areas such as pharmacy services, specialty care coordination, and operational support, AVH enhanced consistency and efficiency while maintaining the local, personal care experience our patients value.
Our Journey to High Reliability
A key focus in 2025 was AVH’s active participation in the ongoing journey toward becoming a High Reliability Organization (HRO)—an essential component of the NCH commitment to safety, quality, and accountability. High Reliability is about more than policies or procedures; it is a culture where everyone is responsible for safety, improvement, and speaking up before potential harm can occur.
Throughout the year, AVH leaders and staff engaged in education and dialogue centered on High Reliability principles such as preoccupation with failure, teamwork, learning from mistakes, and deference to expertise. These efforts reinforced a shared understanding that even small improvements can have a meaningful impact on patient safety and outcomes.
This work aligns directly with the NCH System vision: creating an environment where patients, families, employees, and providers can trust that care is delivered consistently, safely, and with compassion—every time, everywhere.
Investing in Our People
Our people remain the foundation of AVH’s success. In 2025, we continued to recognize and celebrate employees, providers, and volunteers who exemplified our values through service, teamwork, and leadership. These recognitions highlighted not only individual excellence, but also the collective strength that comes from working together toward shared goals.
Professional development, engagement, and workforce support remained priorities, helping to foster a culture where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute to continuous improvement.
Financial Stewardship and Sustainability
In an evolving and challenging healthcare environment, AVH maintained a strong focus on responsible financial stewardship. Through disciplined planning and collaboration within the NCH System, the hospital balanced quality care, access, and affordability while investing strategically in services and infrastructure that support long-term sustainability.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, AVH remains proud to be part of North Country Healthcare—united by One Team, One Mission, and a shared commitment to High Reliability. With our patients and communities at the center of all we do, we move forward together—focused on safety, collaboration, and delivering exceptional care close to home.