Living our mission outside the walls of the hospital
By Jamie Smith, Saint Joseph Hospital President
Often people think of a hospital as an institution where care is provided only to patients seeking its services. At Saint Joe’s we certainly do that, but we know that ultimately people don’t want healthcare, they want health! And health starts outside the walls of the hospital in homes, neighborhoods, schools, and places of work.
Therefore, I am very proud of the accolades and awards for clinical excellence, safety and patient experience that the hospital regularly receives for providing the best care for all of the patients who come through our doors. I am equally proud of the efforts that take place by our care teams to fulfill our mission outside the walls of the hospital to demonstrate their passion and dedication to the greater community.
Here are some recent examples:
The Fightin’ Fibrosis team led by our Respiratory Institute caregivers participated in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundations’ Great Strides walk. With the help of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through awareness and fundraising events, patients with CF now have a life expectancy of 53 years old when just 10 years ago the life expectancy was 38.
More than 30 participants joined our two teams at the American Heart Association Denver Heart Walk. The Saint Joe’s teams raised nearly $5,000 to show our support in being a relentless force to help prevent heart disease.
The awesome team from Saint Joe’s Cancer Center sponsored and participated in the Miles for Melanoma 5K run/walk benefitting the Melanoma Research Foundation to hand out sunscreen, hats and information on preventing skin cancer.
In support of these causes, our caregivers recruit their friends and families, they spend their days off, and they give their time, money and effort to make a difference. Having a presence in our community not only validates our reputation for excellence in the areas of cardiovascular and oncology care, respiratory and pulmonary services and more, but also shows that when you are part of the Saint Joe’s community, it’s more than a job.
I am extremely grateful for all of our physicians, providers, caregivers, leaders, and volunteers who live our mission both inside and outside our hospital walls every day.