Bayhealth appoints Michael Ashton administrator, Milford Memorial Hospital

As part of its continuing efforts to strengthen services to the Milford community, Bayhealth Medical Center has appointed Michael Ashton, FACHE, as administrator for Milford Memorial Hospital.

In this newly created position, Ashton will oversee hospital operations for Bayhealth - Milford Memorial Hospital and focus exclusively on health services to meet the growing needs of the Milford community. He will play an instrumental role in the development of plans for the Milford Memorial replacement hospital.

“Michael Ashton is uniquely qualified to lead the growth and revitalization of Milford Memorial Hospital. His experience and vision will ensure that we will continue our proud tradition of serving central and southern Delaware,” said Bayhealth Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Deborah Watson, FACHE, FACMPE.

“My family and I are excited to become part of the Milford community. We look forward to building new relationships and participating in the many events that are important for our community. I believe that my values are consistent with those held by Bayhealth, and my family and I are eagerly anticipating our arrival,” said Ashton.

In addition to serving as Milford Memorial Hospital administrator, Ashton will oversee the 37-bed Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit and Home Health Services. He’ll serve as the hospital’s liaison to community members, physician staff, hospital employees and the Milford Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. He will work closely with Vice President of Medical Affairs Eric Gloss, DO, MMM and Heidi LeGates, director, Patient Care Services at Milford Memorial.

Ashton served as administrative director of the Medical Service Line for Wellspan Health in York, Pa., for the past eight years. In that role, Ashton had administrative responsibility for Wellspan’s medical service line including 17 hospital-based departments and eight physician practices. He also had oversight over strategic planning, development, facility planning, construction, contracting, IT solutions, and administrative operations. Ashton is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Previously, Ashton served as administrative resident at Robert Packer Hospital - Guthrie Healthcare System in Sayre, Pa. He also served as health systems specialist at Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Hospital in Loma Linda, Calif. Ashton earned his master of public health - health services administration from Loma Linda University’s School of Public Health. He earned his bachelor of science from Brigham Young University in Utah.

Ashton joined Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital Sept. 30.

For more information, go to www.bayhealth.org.