NSMC president Robert G. Norton
SALEM — Robert G. Norton, president of North Shore Medical Center (NSMC) since 2002, will retire at year’s end.
Overseeing more than 4,500 employees at Salem and Union hospitals and other NSMC locations, Norton previously worked as an executive at Boston hospitals. His tenure as president saw major hospital renovations and the largest philanthropic campaigns in NSMC’s history. Norton lives in Manchester by the Sea.
He outlined his decision to a retire in a letter to employees Wednesday.
“I am writing today to let you know that after more than 40 years in healthcare, I have informed Dr. Torchiana and Richard Holbrook, Chairman of our Board of Trustees, that I intend to retire effective December 31, 2016. As some of you know, this is a transition I have been contemplating for some time. I have delayed the decision numerous times waiting for the right window. During that time I have learned that in our interesting world of healthcare, there is no right window.
“NSMC became my second home 15 years ago, when we collectively set out to create a culture that would support our caregivers and provide an exceptional patient experience. Through the amazing work of all of you, particularly our improvement teams at NSMC and NSPG, I have been nothing short of amazed at the transformation we have achieved, where we support one another and most importantly, continually strive for perfection in caring for each and every patient and family member we serve. Today, innovation and improvement are values embedded into our strategy and culture. I feel incredibly honored to have played a small part in this journey.
“In addition to the extraordinary achievements of our hospital teams and entire medical staff, North Shore Physicians Group has grown to become one of the largest, non-academic, multi-specialty physician groups in Massachusetts with more than 350 physicians in nearly 20 locations throughout the North Shore. Working together, NSPG has engendered a culture that enables caregivers to do what they do best, and consistently provide effective and compassionate care to thousands of patients in our communities.
“Our work will continue on every front as we advance campus consolidation, our pursuit of the Perfect Patient Experience, and our Partners eCare journey, while honoring our community commitments and managing economic realities. I know that the NSMC/NSPG team will rise to these challenges and embrace every opportunity we face with characteristic passion, intelligence and heart.
“You will be hearing more shortly about plans to identify my replacement. Rest assured, it is my complete intention to lead NSMC right up until the appointment of our next president.”
