Board of directors calls decision sound and responsible
Published in the Feb. 5, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By James F. Dover
James F. Dover
The Daughters of Charity Health System is a regional health system, including six hospitals and a medical foundation spanning the California coast from the San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles. Last year, I was fortunate to become CEO of the Santa Clara County Market for DCHS, which includes both Saint Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy, De Paul Health Center in Morgan Hill and O’Connor Hospital in San Jose. Over the years, these hospitals have grown and thrived through many challenges.
The prevailing healthcare environment in California is not kind to our hospitals, yet each of our hospitals has remained true to its mission and values in the face of ongoing pressure on our reimbursement and on expenses. Like other hospitals across the country, we recognize that the way healthcare is provided is changing dramatically, and we must be responsive to this new era.
After careful consideration, the Daughters of Charity concluded that they can no longer sponsor their historic hospitals in California. In mid-January, the DCHS Board of Directors announced its decision to solicit proposals from Catholic, public, nonprofit and for-profit organizations to purchase DCHS hospitals individually or the health system in its entirety. It was only after careful consideration that our board, management team and advisors determined that the sale of the hospitals is the most sound and responsible business decision and in the best interest of the communities we serve.
This move to transfer sponsorship is a sign of the times in healthcare. While it represents many unknowns, the Daughters of Charity view this transfer as the next step in their history of service.
Saint Louise first opened in 1989 in Morgan Hill and relocated to Gilroy in 1999 to serve the fast-growing communities of southern Santa Clara County. Saint Louise is now a 93-bed community hospital that continues to grow with the community, and DePaul Health Center includes a full-service urgent care center and outpatient medical services. That future of growth requires us to find new ownership blessed with the resources to thrive.
Saint Louise must be here for generations to come, providing the services it has built during the past 25 years, including a primary stroke center, breast care center, the latest in minimally invasive surgery, emergency services and more.
The compassion of our associates and physicians, the dedication of our volunteers and donors, and the support of our community make Saint Louise Regional Hospital a very special place.
It is the intent of the selection process for the buyer to share our vision to protect the legacy of care Saint Louise is known for, preserve local jobs, and ensure that all members of the community have access to affordable, high-quality health care for years to come.
As always, patient care is our top priority. Access to patient care services at Saint Louise remains uninterrupted as we move forward on this journey.
Be assured that we are aware of our responsibilities to the community and our patients as we navigate toward a solution. Thank you for your involvement, interest and support of Saint Louise Regional Hospital and our mission of excellent service.
We are your neighbor for life.
James F. Dover is the president and CEO of Saint Louise Regional Hospital.
