NH Legislative Event Held At Cottage Hospital
March 19, 2026
Bernie Marvin
Woodsville, NH - Cottage Hospital President and CEO Holly McCormack, DNP, RN, told a gathering of legislators and officers of the New Hampshire Hospital Association that the renowned health magazine Becker’s Healthcare recently named Cottage Hospital as one of the top 150 places to work in the field of medicine.
In her opening remarks for the legislative breakfast held at the hospital on Monday, March 9, 2026, she offered that she had been employed at the hospital for the past 16 years, with her being at the top post of the hospital that was established back in the early 1900’s for the past five years.
She told her guests at the early morning event that the hospital was a very special and unique place. It was an independent critical access hospital, and it is the largest employer in the community, with approximately 200 employees with benefits and a total of 300, which includes a per diem staff.
She reported that the hospital, although faced with a negative 16 percent operating margin, had to recruit a local permanent workforce in place of a temporary travel workforce that the hospital had been relying on. By investing in local talent, the hospital reduced the travel labor costs by 118 percent and restored the continuity of care for the patients. The changes made a significant difference to the fiscal year bottom line last year.
CEO McCormack cited many instances of government requirements being placed on her hospital. She said each day the hospital is required to provide more and more resources to manage the regulatory requirements, reporting and administrative tasks associated with caring for our patients.
“It takes more than a village to care for rural America,” she said, “but it starts here with the help of each of you at the town, state and federal level. Your attendance here this morning demonstrates your support. We will keep fighting for the privilege of caring for our community. We ask for your support in protecting cost-based reimbursement, strengthening workforce, and reducing the administrative barriers that pull caregivers away from patients. Our vision is simple, a rural healthcare system where everyone, no matter their age, income or zip code- can access high quality care close to home,” she said in closing.
Also speaking at a legislative breakfast were President of the New Hampshire Hospital Association Steve Ahnen; Vice President of the State Government Relations Board of the New Hampshire Hospital Association Ben Bradley; Special Assistant for Projects and Policies for Senator Jeanne Shaheenís office Chuck Anderson; New Hampshire District 1 Senator David Rochefort; Executive Councilwoman Karen Liot Hill and Haverhill Town Administrator Tom Galinat.
In her opening remarks for the legislative breakfast held at the hospital on Monday, March 9, 2026, she offered that she had been employed at the hospital for the past 16 years, with her being at the top post of the hospital that was established back in the early 1900’s for the past five years.
She told her guests at the early morning event that the hospital was a very special and unique place. It was an independent critical access hospital, and it is the largest employer in the community, with approximately 200 employees with benefits and a total of 300, which includes a per diem staff.
She reported that the hospital, although faced with a negative 16 percent operating margin, had to recruit a local permanent workforce in place of a temporary travel workforce that the hospital had been relying on. By investing in local talent, the hospital reduced the travel labor costs by 118 percent and restored the continuity of care for the patients. The changes made a significant difference to the fiscal year bottom line last year.
CEO McCormack cited many instances of government requirements being placed on her hospital. She said each day the hospital is required to provide more and more resources to manage the regulatory requirements, reporting and administrative tasks associated with caring for our patients.
“It takes more than a village to care for rural America,” she said, “but it starts here with the help of each of you at the town, state and federal level. Your attendance here this morning demonstrates your support. We will keep fighting for the privilege of caring for our community. We ask for your support in protecting cost-based reimbursement, strengthening workforce, and reducing the administrative barriers that pull caregivers away from patients. Our vision is simple, a rural healthcare system where everyone, no matter their age, income or zip code- can access high quality care close to home,” she said in closing.
Also speaking at a legislative breakfast were President of the New Hampshire Hospital Association Steve Ahnen; Vice President of the State Government Relations Board of the New Hampshire Hospital Association Ben Bradley; Special Assistant for Projects and Policies for Senator Jeanne Shaheenís office Chuck Anderson; New Hampshire District 1 Senator David Rochefort; Executive Councilwoman Karen Liot Hill and Haverhill Town Administrator Tom Galinat.
Cottage Hospital CEO and President Holly McCormack, DNP, RN, speaking at right, addresses a gathering of government and municipal officials recently at the Cottage Hospital Legislative Breakfast. The popular event is held annually and offers an opportunity for the hospital to discuss up-to-date programs and figures with legislators. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin
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