New Name and Governance Structure Positions Not-for-Profit Organization for Growth
January 23, 2012 – Catholic Healthcare West (CHW), the fifth largest health system in the nation, announced today that it has changed its name to Dignity Health as part of a governance restructure that will position the organization to succeed in a changing health care environment. Local 121RN represents nurses at Northridge Hospital Medical Center, St. John's Regional Medical Center and St. John's Pleasant Valley Hospital, which are now part of Dignity Health.
"This name and structure reflect who we are and what we stand for," said Sr. Judy Carle, vice chair of the Dignity Health Board of Directors and a Sister of Mercy. "The value of dignity is embedded in our culture. Our mission, vision and values were all formed out of the recognition of the inherent dignity of each person. We are confident that our vision for the organization will be achieved."
Under the new governance structure, Dignity Health is a not-for-profit organization, rooted in the Catholic tradition, but is not an official ministry of the Catholic Church. The new structure and name enable the organization to grow nationally, while preserving the identity and integrity of both its Catholic and non-Catholic hospitals. The organization’s Catholic hospitals will continue to be Catholic, directly sponsored by their founding congregations, and adhering to the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. Dignity Health’s non-Catholic hospitals will continue to be non-Catholic, adhering to the Statement of Common Values.
The changes follow several years of discussions between the organization’s sponsoring congregations, board of directors, and management team about the future of health care and how to best extend its healing mission. Dignity Health’s long-term strategic plan is focused on integrated care and enhanced quality that reduces costs. Growth plans anticipate expanded partnerships, which will include both Catholic and non-Catholic care centers. The system currently owns or operates 25 Catholic hospitals and 15 non-Catholic hospitals.
Lloyd H. Dean, the organization’s president/chief executive officer said that the changes would enhance the organization’s ability to work across the spectrum of health care and expand partnerships to deliver high-quality care more efficiently.
"Changing our name to Dignity Health reflects our commitment to excellent care for all in need and to being a national leader in quality care," Dean said. "The new structure supports our long-term plan to grow and coordinate care, while reinforcing our mission of service to the communities we are so privileged to serve."
While the name of the organization has changed, Dignity Health will continue to deliver excellent care to all in need and maintain its commitment to being a national leader in quality care. It is investing approximately $1.8 billion in electronic medical records, which are being deployed over the next five years. Dignity Health has also been designated as one of the nation’s first Hospital Engagement Centers by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. The organization is also among those leading the nation in implementing innovative care models that improve care and reduce costs.
Dignity Health has also adopted a new logo, which represents the coming together of many caregivers, services and care centers to create a continuum of care. The three curved sections represent the three parts of the organization’s mission – quality care, advocacy, and partnering. The logo surrounds and embraces a central space, symbolic of how an integrated health system embraces and serves the individual.
About Dignity Health
Dignity Health, headquartered in San Francisco, Calif., provides integrated, patient and family centered care. It is the fifth largest health system in the country with 10,000 physicians and 55,000 employees across Arizona, California, and Nevada. Through its network of more than 150 ancillary care sites and 40 acute care hospitals, Dignity Health is committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality, affordable health care services with special attention to the poor and underserved. In 2011, Dignity Health provided $1.4 billion in charity care, community benefit and unreimbursed patient care. For more information, please visit our website at www.dignityhealth.org.