Kurt Barwis has long been at the center of efforts to secure Bristol Health’s future, and 2025 may prove pivotal.
UConn Health is in talks to acquire or affiliate with Bristol Hospital, a potential end to Barwis’ years-long search for a partner that could stabilize one of Connecticut’s few remaining independent health systems. Post-pandemic pressures have taken a toll on Bristol Health, which includes the 164-bed Bristol Hospital and a network of medical group practices, among other services.
Bristol Health reported operating losses of $21.4 million in fiscal 2023 and $10.9 million in 2024, and announced staff reductions last year to save about $6.1 million.
There were more cuts this year. In April, Barwis disclosed the health system eliminated about 60 full-time equivalent positions and instituted other efficiencies, part of a broader set of corrective actions projected to improve operations by more than $14 million annually.
The painful decisions, he said, allowed Bristol Health to post a $637,000 surplus in the first five months of fiscal year 2025, its first stretch of positive results after four consecutive years in the red. Executives, including Barwis, also took a voluntary 6% pay cut to help offset staff merit raises.
Barwis emphasized that no core services were cut, and patient safety was not compromised. He noted the gains came despite inflationary pressures on wages, drugs and supplies, and amid continued Medicaid funding challenges.
A CPA by training and a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Barwis has led Bristol Health since 2006 and remains a prominent voice in state healthcare policy.