Why did Catholic Healthcare West change its governance structure
and name?
We have taken these steps for two reasons: first, to more clearly describe who we are, and second, to position ourselves for growth in a changing health care environment. Our long-term strategic plan calls for more integrated care to enhance quality and reduce costs. The new structure and name enable us to grow into a national system, welcoming both Catholic and non-Catholic care centers into the system, while respecting the identity and integrity of each.
Have the mission, vision, or values changed?
No. These are the core of who we are and will remain so.
Are the Catholic hospitals still Catholic? Are the non-Catholic hospitals still non-Catholic?
Yes. All of our Catholic hospitals, as well as those that may join the system at a later date, will continue to be Catholic and follow the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (ERDs). Likewise, our non-Catholic facilities, as well as those that may join the system at a later date, will remain non-Catholic and follow the Statement of Common Values.
What role did the sisters have in the changes?
Sisters representing each of our sponsoring congregations initiated and led this process. The system’s Catholic hospitals will remain under the direct sponsorship of their founding congregations, and representatives from our sponsoring congregations will continue to serve on the organization’s Board of Directors.
What role did the bishops have?
Archbishop George Niederauer of San Francisco, where Dignity Health is headquartered, consulted with other bishops and after careful review he determined that these changes were consistent with Catholic moral and doctrinal teachings and they could proceed. More information about his decision is provided
here.
