Hyatt to lead Jay, Blackford

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Less than three months ago, Dave Hyatt took on a new title as he became president of IU Health Jay.

He’ll be keeping that one, but adding to it next month.

Jeff Bird, president of IU Health’s East Central Region, announced Tuesday that Hyatt will become Critical Access Hospital President for the region.

Practically, that means he will continue to serve as the leader of IU Health Jay while also assuming responsibilities for heading up IU Health Blackford in Hartford City.

“Jay and Blackford are both incredible … health systems in their communities,” said Hyatt, who served as CEO of Jay County Hospital from 2013 through March 1 when the facility integrated into IU Health. “The face of rural healthcare is changing. Just to be a part of that is very exciting.

“Jay and Blackford share so many synergies. They’re both filled with excellent team members, people who are just passionate about their communities, so while we’ve been able to do a lot for our respective communities … I think what we’ll be able to do working together in creating a rural healthcare team in our region is going to be nothing short of amazing.”

He will take over the IU Health Blackford responsibilities from Steven West, who is retiring in June.

Hyatt’s primary office will continue to be in Jay County, though he will split his time about 50-50 between the two facilities.

Additions to the leadership staffing at both facilities — IU Health Jay is a 25-bed facility with additional services for behavioral health, obstetrics, surgery and other specialties while Blackford is a 15-bed hospital with surgical and radiology services in addition to specialties — are possible in the near future, Hyatt said.

As he leads both hospitals, he has his eyes on ways in which each facility can work to make the other better. He referenced surgeon Dr. Monzur Haque, who is scheduled to join the IU Health Jay staff this summer, as a physician who could spend time at both facilities. Certified registered nurse anesthetists are also in the process of becoming staff members at both hospitals.

Beyond sharing staff when needed, Hyatt said he sees many opportunities to work together in an effort to provide the best care possible, including improving inpatient care and potentially sharing a hospitalist program.

“We’re more alike than we are different,” he said. “Smaller hospitals are unique animals. … We understand each other well. …

“I think we can teach Blackford some things, but they can certainly teach us a lot of things too. Bringing our teams together, I’m very excited about it.”

Prior to serving as CEO of Jay County Hospital, Hyatt was president of IU Health Starke in Knox. He previously served as vice president of operations at IU Health Starke and vice president of strategy and ambulatory services at IU Health LaPorte. He graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in public health in 2005 and from IUPUI with a master’s degree in health administration in 2007.

Though his responsibilities are expanding, he expressed his commitment to continuing his work in Jay County.

“I’ve learned so much from this organization,” Hyatt said. “I’m excited to stay here and see Jay go to the next level.”