SJHS Volunteers Weblog

The following memo is from Gene Woods, President and CEO of Saint Joseph Health Systems:

As you know, the local boards of Catholic Health Initiatives’ (CHI’s) seven Kentucky hospitals unanimously voted last June to come together as one organization, which has been generally referred to as “CHI Kentucky.” We are pleased to announce that the new organization’s governing board met in December 2007 and its members unanimously approved Saint Joseph Health System as the name of the unified organization. One of the stated goals of joining together is to build the presence of our new system across the Commonwealth.  A brand strategy is an important part of achieving this goal. Naming and branding are a way to instantly communicate our affiliation, core values and quality, as well as the size and strength of our system, throughout Kentucky.  

Branding is one of many strategies that will be part of an overall strategic plan being developed to guide the growth of our new system. We want to emphasize that this name selection does not change our ministry and commitment to the people we serve or the unique contributions each hospital makes to its community and the system. 

The decision regarding this name came after several meetings, thoughtful consideration by the governing board, discussion and input by an ad hoc committee of representatives from each hospital, consultation with an outside expert, and quantitative research.

We would like to share with you the key reasons behind our system name and the process for unveiling it:

• Research shows that the Saint Joseph HealthCare brand and name are strong and perceived positively across the state, especially in central and eastern Kentucky.

This was affirmed by the findings of a regional perception study conducted for Saint Joseph Hospital in 2007. 

• Saint Joseph Health System will be the name of our entire organization. Most of the hospitals will use the “Saint Joseph” name along with a geographic identifier:

Saint Joseph Berea; Saint Joseph London; Saint Joseph Martin; and Saint Joseph Mount Sterling. Saint Joseph Hospital and Saint Joseph East will retain their names.

• Flaget Memorial Hospital will be identified as a member of Saint Joseph Health System but will retain its name due to unique factors related to market dynamics and strategic considerations.

• Marymount Medical Center, which had considered changing its name prior to approval of the construction of its new facility, will change its name now, rather than wait until the new hospital opens in 2010.

• As part of CHI’s corporate identity program, logos will be designed for facilities and services across the system. New materials – stationery, signage, promotional materials, etc. – will be available in the coming months. .

We are planning a special transition ritual and celebration and want to take this opportunity to invite you to attend. The ritual, which will last about 20-30 minutes, is to recognize a significant milestone that we’ve reached. In ancient Rome, the namesake of this month, Janus, symbolizes transition and has two heads looking in opposite directions, forward and back. We plan to mark this occasion by honoring the history, people and accomplishments of each of the hospitals and committing to build our system together as one. This will enhance the ministry and legacy that the Sisters passed on to us as we follow their example of changing to better meet the changing needs of the people and communities we serve.

The transition ritual and celebration will be held on Monday, January 28, 2008 at the following locations:

Saint Joseph Martin                8:30 a.m.         Hospital Lobby

Saint Joseph London              Noon                (Location to be announced)

Flaget Memorial Hospital        3:30 p.m.         Hospital Lobby

The transition ritual and celebration will be held on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at 10 a.m. in the Saint Joseph Hospital Auditorium and simulcast to Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph Berea and Saint Joseph Mount Sterling via our new videoconferencing system.

We pledge to continue to share with you other news about our new organization as details are completed. Watch for regular updates in the newsletter “Saint Joseph Health System Update” (formerly the CHI Kentucky Update).

Thank you again for your dedication and commitment in your role of helping to provide excellent health care and services. Working in partnership, we are confident that Saint Joseph Health System will continue to grow and make a vital difference for the people of Kentucky.