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.
“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.
Members of the Board of Directors for Dignity Health are as follows:
Andrew C. Agwunobi, MD, MBA
Director, Berkeley Research Group
Hospital Performance Improvement Practice
Washington, DC
Judy Carle, RSM (Vice Chairperson)
Sisters of Mercy of the Americas – West Midwest
Community
Burlingame, CA
Caretha Coleman (Chairperson)
Principal, Coleman Consulting
Los Altos Hills, CA
Lloyd H. Dean
President/CEO, Dignity Health
San Francisco, CA
Mark DeMichele
Owner, Urban Realty Partners
Coronado, CA
Tessie Guillermo (Secretary)
President/CEO, Zero Divide
San Francisco, CA
Peter G. Hanelt
President, PGH Consulting, Inc.
Lafayette, CA
Rodney F. Hochman, MD
Chief Executive Officer, Swedish Medical Center
Seattle, WA
Julie Hyer, OP
General Councilor/Administrator,
Adrian Dominican Sisters
Adrian, MI
-from press release