Honoring the core commitments of Catholic healthcare
By Jamie Smith, Saint Joseph President
As SCL Health and Intermountain Healthcare continue our integration activities to become one Intermountain Health, many things are changing to position ourselves as a model health system. Not only is Intermountain Healthcare experiencing a lot of change, but the entire healthcare industry is very dynamic right now.
Although we are navigating change now and into the future, one thing that will remain constant is our commitment to our Catholic heritage and our mission to reveal and foster God’s healing love by improving the health of the people and communities we serve, especially those who are poor and vulnerable. That mission guides us to serve all who walk through our doors.
To help ensure we maintain our faith-based identity, Saint Joseph Hospital, in partnership with the Catholic Health Association, recently completed a Ministry Identity Assessment to evaluate our progress on the seven core commitments of Catholic healthcare:
Promoting and Defending Human Dignity
Attending to the Whole Person
Caring for the Poor and Vulnerable
Promoting the Common Good
Acting on Behalf of Justice
Stewarding Resources
Serving as a Ministry of the Church
There are many ways we act upon these commitments each day by providing the compassionate and person-centered care Saint Joe’s is known for. I hear this all the time through the numerous comments, like these, that we receive from patients:
“Despite not speaking English very well, they do everything to make you feel comfortable and relaxed at such an important moment in one’s health.”
“I was nervous because this was my first real procedure, and the staff did an exceptional job of explaining and letting me know what to expect to calm my nerves.”
“All staff including non-medical staff and hospital employees provided an excellent level of respect, care and comfort. This is truly a place of healing.”
“The hospital chaplain and palliative care team supported me in making a very difficult and high-stakes decision about my treatment plan. They spent a considerable amount of time with us, and it was much appreciated.”
It fills my cup to hear from our patients that we have helped when they are feeling scared and vulnerable. Caring for the whole person, mind, body and spirit, makes Saint Joe’s special. Thank you for being an integral part of the caring and inclusive culture we have built for everyone who comes to Saint Joseph Hospital.
If you’d like more information about the Ministry Identity Assessment, please reach out to Caitlin Pride, VP of Mission Integration.