Watertown Regional Medical Center Shares its 2024 Community Benefit Report

WATERTOWN, Wisconsin – Watertown Regional Medical Center (WRMC) today published its community benefit and economic impact report for the 2024 calendar year. The report shares several data points detailing how the hospital positively contributes to Watertown and southeastern Wisconsin while supporting the health and well-being of those who live and work in the region.

“By any of a number of measures, 2024 was a very successful year for Watertown Regional, and that success stems in large part from our strong partnership with the surrounding communities in Dodge and Jefferson counties,” said Richard Keddington, CEO of WRMC. “This report gives us a chance to share some of the ways we contribute to the partnership, from providing exceptional, award-winning care to being a significant employer, taxpayer, provider of charitable care, and supporter of local charitable organizations. It is our privilege to be entrusted with the care of those in the Watertown area, and we relish the opportunity to make a positive impact on our patients and our community.”

Watertown Regional’s 2024 community benefit report offers insights into the hospital’s ongoing efforts to better meet the area’s growing healthcare needs by recruiting new providers, expanding service lines, and continually investing in its facilities and healthcare technology. For example, in 2024, Watertown added 39 affiliated providers to maintain or expand services and made more than $2 million in capital improvements, including the addition of a surgical table for use with newly upgraded DaVinci Xi Robot, electric stretchers for the Emergency Department, a new fetal monitor, and a retinal camera for the hospitals Eye Clinic.

Additionally, Watertown provided more than $11.5 million in uncompensated and charitable health services to those in need, demonstrating the hospital’s continued commitment to ensuring everyone has access to care, regardless of their ability to pay.

WRMC is also committed to creating environments where providers want to practice and employees want to work. In 2024, the hospital distributed more than $43 million in salaries, wages, and benefits for its 650 employees, and contributed more than $280,000 in professional development and tuition assistance so its team members have the opportunity to learn and improve the care they provide their patients.

The report shares several examples of how WRMC is continually seeking ways to make a positive impact in the communities it serves. Last year, for instance, the organization paid approximately $5.5 million in provider, payroll, property, and sales taxes, displaying its commitment to fiscal responsibility that contributes to the area’s economic well-being. The hospital is also honored to have supported local activities and organizations that positively impact the region, including the Bentzin Family Town Square, Education Foundation of Watertown (Jig Jog 5K), Glacial Heritage Development, Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation, Kraemer’s Make-a-Wish Golf Outing, Lights N Sirens, Rainbow Hospice, Riverfest, Rock River Community Clinic, Santa House, Tour Da Goose, Watertown Aquatics Team, Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce, Watertown Area YMCA, Watertown Area YMCA Capital Campaign, Watertown EMS, Watertown Family Connections, Watertown High School, and Watertown Police Department, among others.

“In the spirit of our partnership with the Watertown area, it only makes sense for us to support local organizations with a shared purpose of building a healthier community,” said Keddington. “When we support each other, everyone can benefit.”

View Watertown Regional Medical Center’s complete 2024 community benefit report on the hospital’s website: