by David Goll

Ownership of the O’Connor Family Health Center, an outpatient clinic that serves as the family medicine residency training program for doctors at O’Connor Hospital in San Jose, will be taken over by the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley Inc. in June.

This transfer of services will allow the outpatient clinic catering to low-income patients to remain open and the 35-year-old residency program to stay intact, said Jim Dover, O’Connor’s CEO. The O’Connor Family Health Center, with an annual budget of $1.2 million is operated by the Los Altos Hills-based Daughters of Charity Health System. The health center was losing $700,000 annually, Dover said.

“We’re transferring responsibility for the clinic from our books to theirs,” Dover said. “Under the new owner, the clinic should break even or do even better.”

He said the nonprofit Indian Health Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Latest from The Business Journals Longtime Texas Workforce Commissioner stepping down from postBar codes could be coming to your nearest pill bottle Follow this company . It receives federal funds not available to O’Connor.

Liz Hunt, CEO of the Indian Health Center, said health center serves a similar population as O’Connor.

“We wanted to make sure clients served by O’Connor continued to receive health care,” Hunt said. “O’Connor was losing money on this and needed a solution.”

The O’Connor Family Health Center, at 455 O’Connor Drive across from the 358-bed O’Connor Hospital, records about 14,000 visits from patients annually.

“For patients in this category, their continuity of coverage for primary care is very important,” Dover said. “The Indian Health Center will be able to do a better job and provide dentistry, which we don’t have now.”

Eighty-two percent of Indian Health Center clients don’t have private health insurance and 84 percent live at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, according to Hunt. This year, that’s defined as an annual income of $22,340 for one person and $46,100 for a family of four. Her organization, with an annual budget of nearly $12 billion, has nearly 40,000 annual visits and operates a clinic at 1333 Meridian Ave. in San Jose’s Willow Glen neighborhood.

Dover said O’Connor’s residency program, a cooperative effort with Stanford Hospital & Clinics, will continue to operate under the Indian Health Center’s ownership. The outpatient clinic staff includes up to 24 faculty-physicians, resident-physicians and physician assistants who work there on any given day.

The competitive and rapidly consolidating health care market has been tough on operators like

Daughters of Charity, which treats all patients regardless of their ability to pay. The organization, which operates O’Connor, Saint Louise Regional Hospital Saint Louise Regional Hospital Latest from The Business Journals The Service Employees International Union takes aim at hospitals Women of Influence: Joanne E. AllenDaly City’s Seton Medical Center has interim CEO Follow this company in Gilroy and four other medical centers in California, is negotiating a merger with St. Louis-based Ascension Health Alliance, the nation’s largest Catholic health care system. Ascension operates 76 hospitals and medical facilities in 20 states and Washington, D.C., and had fiscal 2011 revenue of nearly $16 billion.

Daughters of Charity, with fiscal 2011 revenue of $1.4 billion, has been struggling with expenses that are eclipsing revenue. The nonprofit has been feeling the pinch in wages, benefits and investments in new technologies. The provider has a low percentage of patients with private insurance at 22 percent, while 48 percent are on Medicare and 24 percent Medi-Cal.

Doctors follow low-income patients from birth through teen years, building trust, care quality

When his kindergarten class held a party for “special guests” last year, 7-year-old Jacob Critser had no trouble figuring out whom to invite.

“Dr. Alla Aminova holds a very special place in Jacob’s heart,” says his mother, Wanda Critser.

Jacob was born with a congenital heart problem — tricuspid atresia with pulmonary stenosis — a condition that has prompted three surgeries so far in his young life. Though he has a team of doctors that he sees twice weekly at Stanford University’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto, Calif., Jacob’s medical home is at O’Connor Hospital’s Pediatric Center for Life in San Jose, Calif., where staff members, including Aminova, oversee everything from routine immunizations to school support services for him.

“The level of care and compassion at PCFL is outstanding,” says Wanda Critser. “Despite the huge number of patients they see every day, the staff always goes beyond the call of duty to make sure everyone is okay.”

Cynthia Hutchinson, mother of Cyrus Fitch, 16, and Cassondra Hutchinson, 11, shares much the same sentiments. Though neither of her children have serious health concerns, she says the consistent care they have received at PCFL over the years has led to a “level of comfort” impossible to duplicate at any other area clinic open to children covered by government-sponsored health insurance. The clinic also treats children covered by private insurance and uninsured children.

Early intervention
Dr. N. Thad Padua, the center’s medical director, has been Cyrus’ pediatrician since the boy was 5. The continuity of that patient-doctor relationship helped Padua diagnose and then medically manage Cyrus’ attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder long before serious school problems occurred, Hutchinson says. As a teen, Cyrus still feels comfortable enough to discuss sensitive topics with Padua.

“At our last appointment, Cyrus was concerned about the possibility of premature hair loss. Dr. Padua handled the issue with such understanding; he referred Cyrus to a dermatologist to examine his scalp,” says Hutchinson. “Our family feels incredibly lucky to be a part of PCFL.”

Opened in 1991 as an extension of O’Connor’s Center for Life obstetrics program, the pediatric clinic originally was conceived as a full-service medical clinic to provide quality health care for the many newborns at the hospital whose low-income families could not access pediatric care.

“We are a collaborative effort — a nonprofit, hospital-owned clinic operated with private pediatricians,” says Padua. “We mirror the dedication of the Daughters of Charity Health System to serve the sick and poor by offering everything from well exams to urgent care treatments, case management and referrals to economically disadvantaged children, up to 18 years of age, in the greater San Jose area.”

Multicultural patient base
The pediatric center’s goal is complicated by the diversity of the Santa Clara County population it serves — one that is among the most multiethnic in the country. According to center manager Quina Wilson, the center’s patient population is 82 percent Hispanic/Latino, 10 percent Caucasian, 5 percent Asian American and 3 percent Black American and African immigrants.

“A majority of our patients and families speak a primary language other than English,” she says. “We place an emphasis on providing culturally sensitive care; members of our staff are proficient in Spanish, Russian and Tagalog as well as English.”

In the 20 years since its inception, the center has grown exponentially, both in patient population and the panoply of services it provides.

“At the beginning, our staff consisted of a sole pediatrician, one nurse and one receptionist handling 20 to 30 appointments per day,” recalls Padua, who has been at the pediatric clinic since it opened its doors. “Today we have three full-time and two part-time physicians, a part-time nurse practitioner, three nurses, one social worker, one full- and one part-time medical assistant, a manager, three front-office people and an administrative support person. On a busy day, we can easily see 95 to 100 patients.”

Ongoing care
What distinguishes PCFL from other area clinics established to serve the poor and the uninsured is its private practice model, in which each patient is assigned a primary care physician and sees that physician from infancy through adolescence. That consistency, says Padua, nurtures ongoing trust between doctors, patients and their families, and allows for consistent monitoring of health and related factors. The clinic sees asthmatic patients every three months to make sure they have proper medications. It offers preventative health education programs to address diabetes and obesity, and it promotes literacy through a “Reach Out and Read” program.

That same private practice model has grown to include wraparound services to address the mental and emotional well-being of patients as well. Center social worker Heather Vogel estimates that she sees 2,000 out of the 4,000 children at some point during their years as clinic patients.

“Much of my job is helping families access community resources, be it for postpartum depression, neglect, abuse, anxiety, behavior problems, learning disabilities or even suicide attempts,” she says. “Sometimes I just make referrals for counseling or therapy, other times I directly advocate for kids who need support services at school.”

In addition, Vogel spearheads the “Back-To-School Drive” and the “Christmas Clothing and Toy Giving Campaign for Children” each year to benefit 150 of the clinic’s most impoverished patients, an effort supported by office staff as well as hospital associates.

Demand to increase
As state and local funding for safety-net clinics and health care resources continue to dwindle, PCFL finds itself filling the void left by financial cutbacks. And as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act makes greater numbers of families and children eligible for government-sponsored health insurance, demand is certain to increase as well. Last year, the center provided more than 14,500 primary health care visits. This year, it expects to administer more than 16,000 visits.

“Our clinic serves a great purpose — one that keeps growing and growing. By providing timely, quality care to children, regardless of their financial status, we can avert so many more serious health problems later,” says Padua, who recognizes that his passion for the clinic’s mission is rooted in gratitude for the opportunities he’s had.

“I grew up in San Francisco, and my parents, who were immigrants, also struggled financially. My father worked three different jobs; my siblings and I never saw him,” he says. The clinic, he adds, is his way of giving back to the community — and hopefully ensuring it a brighter future.

On Wednesday, May 16, Neurologist Raul Guisado, MD, and Karen de la Cuesta, RN, MS, NP-C, will present a one hour lecture entitled Stroke 101: Recognize the Signs and Act in Time. Beginning at 5:30 pm, cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure screenings will be available to participants. The presentation, a part of the Living Well Community Lecture Series, will take place from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Refreshments will be served. The event will be held in the Medical Office Building (MOB) Auditorium at O’Connor Hospital, 2101 Forest Avenue, San Jose.

According to the National Stroke Association, sponsors of National Stroke Awareness Month, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. annually; almost 800,000 strokes will occur this year; and approximately 55,000 more women than men will experience a stroke. The estimated direct and indirect cost of stroke in the U.S. in 2010 was $73.7 billion.

“Knowing the warning signs of a stroke can save a life,” says de la Cuesta, stroke program coordinator at O’Connor Hospital. “Using the acronym FAST, 80% of strokes can be identified.”

FAST stands for:
F – Face Ask a person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A – Arm Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S – Speech Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is his speech slurred or strange?
T – Time If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately

The presentation will include stroke warning signs and symptoms, along with recovery and prevention tips. Stroke prevention guidelines include:

• Know blood pressure
• Identify atrial fibrillation (Afib)
• Do not smoke and control alcohol use
• Know cholesterol levels
• Control diabetes
• Manage exercise and diet

To register for Stroke 101: Recognize the Signs and Act in Time, please call 800 220-0182 or register online.

For more information on preventing strokes and learning about stroke care, go to the National Stroke Association website at: www.stroke.org.

The Daughters of Charity Health System (DCHS) and Service Employees International Union–United Healthcare Workers (SEIU-UHW) today reached agreement on a new three-year contract covering nearly 2,600 employees in six DCHS hospitals in California: O’Connor Hospital, San Jose; Saint Louise Regional Hospital, Gilroy; Seton Coastside, Moss Beach; Seton Medical Center, Daly City; St. Francis Medical Center, Lynwood; and St. Vincent Medical Center, Los Angeles.

The agreement comes after several months of discussions and achieves the goal – set by both sides – to develop a fair and reasonable contract,” according to Stephanie Battles, DCHS vice president of human resources.

“We can all feel proud about this new agreement, particularly in these challenging times for health care in our state and across the nation,” said Battles. “The agreement protects the interests of our associates and the financial health and safe and efficient operation of our hospitals.”

SEIU-UHW membership ratified the agreement yesterday.

“We want to acknowledge the bargaining teams for their good-faith efforts during our contract discussions,” said Battles. “We also wish to thank all of our employees for their ongoing and valuable contribution in service to our patients and the communities we serve.”

“Nonprofit hospitals and clinics of all types and sizes are looking for ways to ensure viability and financial stability in these challenging economic times,” said James F. Dover, President & CEO of O’Connor Hospital. “During an extensive discernment process, we asked ourselves many questions, including in what ways could we better serve the residents of Santa Clara County. Working with the Indian Health Center will help the Family Health Center to fulfill its goal of improving lives by providing quality primary and preventive health care services.”

O’Connor Hospital and the Indian Health Center both have a long-term presence in Santa Clara County and compatible mission and values, including a commitment to care for all members of the community, especially the underserved.

Founded in 1977, the mission of the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley (IHC) is to help ensure the survival and healing all members of the community by providing high quality, comprehensive health care and wellness services.

“Serving the community by providing high-quality, culturally competent health and wellness services is our primary mission,” said Liz Hunt, Chief Executive Officer for the Indian Health Center. “We are passionate about making sure that everyone has access to health care when they need it. Working with O’Connor’s Family Health Center will help continue to provide much-needed health services to a population that often goes without health care.”

The O’Connor Family Health Center, located across the street from O’Connor Hospital, sees patients of all ages. Health care providers in the O’Connor Family Health Center include faculty-physicians, resident-physicians, and physician assistants. The Family Medicine Residency Program will continue its teaching affiliation with O’Connor Hospital and Family Medicine Associates (FMA). O’Connor Hospital will maintain oversight of training the Family Medicine residents and will continue to recruit new residents to the program each year, and the Indian Health Center will operate the clinic.

The free community seminar is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the O’Connor Hospital Medical Office Building Auditorium, 2101 Forest Avenue, San Jose. Refreshments will be served.

A board certified rheumatologist who has received awards for scholarship, compassion and professionalism, Dr. Bala will explain how osteoarthritis and osteoporosis initially present, how they are diagnosed, and treatment options. She will also cover preventive strategies.

Seminar participants will leave the presentation with a wealth of informational material on calcium supplementation and tai-chi as well as information on strengthening exercises for quadriceps and core abdominal muscles.

This free community seminar is part of a series of “Living Well” community classes sponsored by O’Connor Hospital. To register for the free seminar, call (800) 220-0182 or register online.

Fill out an Advance Directive and save your loved ones the agony of making end-of-life decisions for you. For more information about Advanced Directives and Advanced Planning go to www.nhdd.org.

Completing a simple form assures your needs will be met and provide you with peace of mind.

You may also download a copy of A Catholic Guide to Critical End of Life Decisions: Advance Directives by

Fr. Gerald Coleman, SS, vice president, Corporate Ethics, Daughters of Charity Health System.

Available in: English/Spanish | Tagalog | Korean

“This combined effort is expected to increase access and participation in food assistance and reduce hunger,” explains Lydia Ramirez, director, Health Benefits Resource Center, “Los Angeles County is the second largest and most populated county in the nation, so we will reach a large number of community members in need of these services.”

The Health Benefits Resource Center, located in each of the four Daughters of Charity-sponsored hospitals, is a one-stop information and referral service. “We assist children, teens, seniors and families in need with vital information concerning affordable care and appropriate health benefits,” offers Tiffany Huerta, manager, Community and Business Services, Daughters of Charity Ministry Services Corporation. “We provide enrollment assistance for insurance programs such as Healthy Families, MediCal, Medicare and California Kids.”

Additionally, HBRC associates work in tandem with medical professionals, social service agencies, churches, schools and parishes to perform ongoing outreach to educate their communities. Classes, events and activities promoting wellness and healthy families are provided by HBRC to community members, free of charge.

The month-long public awareness campaign, spearheaded by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), is a collaboration by DPSS, the US Department of Agriculture, California Department of Social Services, and more than 25 community partners, including Daughters of Charity Ministry Services Corporation.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will participate in proclaiming May as CalFresh Awareness Month on April 24. Kick-off for the campaign will occur on April 25. To learn about more month-long events, including activities onsite at the four Daughters of Charity hospitals, go to www.dpssbenefits.lacounty.gov.

A patient-centered care delivery model that optimizes access and the provision of high-quality, integrated care, DCHS Medical Foundation is partnering with the physicians and associates of San Jose Medical Group (SJMG) to kick start and launch foundation operations.

The DCHS Medical Foundation will initially comprise over 200 primary care and specialty physicians offering medical, surgical and related health care services through several existing multi-specialty, community-based clinics in San Jose.

March 16, 2012 – Ascension Health Alliance, the parent organization of Ascension Health, and Daughters of Charity Health System (DCHS), a regional health system with 22 sites, including six hospitals, providing patient care on the California coast, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) intended to lead to DCHS to becoming part of Ascension Health.

“Daughters of Charity Health System shares Ascension Health’s commitment to serve all with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable,” said Anthony R. Tersigni, EdD, President and CEO of Ascension Health Alliance. “Both organizations are committed to providing quality, compassionate care to the whole person – body, mind and spirit.”

DCHS is sponsored by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Province of the West. Four other Provinces of the Daughters of Charity, together with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth, were the original Sponsors of Ascension Health when the health system was formed in 1999. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Alexian Brothers also now participate in Sponsorship of Ascension Health Alliance.

“We are excited to sign a Memorandum of Understanding,” said Robert Issai, President and Chief Executive Officer, Daughters of Charity Health System. “Joining Ascension Health will strengthen DCHS and Catholic health care while continuing our mission of providing comprehensive, excellent health care that is compassionate and attentive to the whole person.”

Due diligence will occur in the coming weeks and months. There is no specific schedule for reaching a definitive agreement, but the organizations anticipate completing the process by year end. Specific terms of the MOU and the agreement are confidential.

About Ascension Health Alliance:
Ascension Health Alliance is the nation’s largest Catholic and nonprofit health system. Ascension Health Alliance is transforming health care by providing the highest quality care to all with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. Last year Ascension Health Alliance, through its subsidiary Ascension Health, provided more than $1.2 billion in care of persons living in poverty and community benefit programs. Its Mission-focused Health Ministries employ more than 121,000 associates serving in more than 1,400 locations in 21 states and the District of Columbia. Other Ascension Health Alliance subsidiaries focus on a wide range of service areas, including treasury management services, venture capital investing, global mission support and medical engineering services. Another subsidiary, Ascension Health Care Network, a joint venture with Oak Hill Capital Partners, provides an alternative funding source for the acquisition of Catholic hospitals and other health care provider entities.

About Daughters of Charity Health System:
Daughters of Charity Health System (DCHS) is a regional health system spanning the California coast from the San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles. Our hospitals include: Seton Medical Center, Daly City; Seton Coastside, Moss Beach; O’Connor Hospital, San Jose; Saint Louise Regional Hospital, Gilroy; St. Vincent Medical Center, Los Angeles; and St. Francis Medical Center, Lynwood. DCHS was formed in response to the health care needs of the people of California. Every day, more than 8,000 associates and physicians serve patients and their loved ones, providing quality, compassionate care – body, mind and spirit.

(SAN JOSE, CA – FEBRUARY 22, 2012) – O’Connor Hospital has once again earned Advanced Primary Stroke Center Certification from The Joint Commission. The nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care, The Joint Commission awarded certification after conducting a comprehensive site review on December 9.

“O’Connor Hospital demonstrated that its stroke care program follows national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients,” says James F. Dover, FACHE, President & CEO of O’Connor Hospital. “This national recognition provides an important, independent evaluation and confirmation of our commitment to excellent stroke care.”

In 2011, O’Connor Hospital received the “Get with the Guidelines — Stroke Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award” from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA). The award recognizes O’Connor Hospitals’ success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care. In addition, O’Connor is one of two hospitals inSanta ClaraCounty to receive the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Target Stroke Award in 2011. The Target Stroke Award recognizes hospitals that can deliver tPA (a clot-busting drug) with a door-to-needle time in less than 60 minutes.

Each year approximately 795,000 people will experience a new or recurrent stroke, which is the third leading cause of death inAmerica. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds and someone dies of a stroke every 3.1 minutes. Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability with more than 6 million stroke survivors alive today, affecting 4 out of 5 American families. Stroke can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of race, sex or age.

The Joint Commission’s Advanced Primary Stroke Center Certification is based on the recommendations for primary stroke centers published by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association’s statements/guidelines for stroke care. The Joint Commission launched the program –  the nation’s first — in 2003. A list of programs certified by the Joint Commission is available at www.jointcommission.org.

For more information about stroke symptoms or prevention, please visit www.oconnorhospital.org.

“As we acknowledge our tenth year as a health system, we know this past decade attaches to our long and valued history spanning more than 375 years of caring for those less fortunate,” offers Robert Issai, President & CEO of Daughters of Charity Health System. “We have been blessed with a rich legacy of adapting to and fulfilling the needs of those we serve.”
St. Vincent de Paul, a country priest, and St. Louise de Marillac, a widow, formed the first Company of the Daughters of Charity in 1633 to serve the sick and poor inParis. In 1809, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton founded the American Sisters of Charity in Emmitsburg, Maryland. By 1823, the Sisters assumed responsibility for the Nursing Service of the Baltimore Infirmary in Maryland. Five years later, the Sisters traveled toSt. Louis, Missouri, and established the first Catholic hospital in the country,originally named Sisters’ Hospital, eventually renamed Mullanphy Hospital in honor of benefactor John Mullanphy.  Today, it is known as De Paul Hospital.

Until 1995, the Daughters of Charity hospitals were part of the Daughters of Charity National Health System, which was established in 1986 in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1995, the Daughters of Charity, Province of the West, merged their six hospitals with Catholic Healthcare West (CHW). In 2001, after careful reflection, they withdrew from CHW.

On January 1, 2002, the Daughters of Charity Health System was formed. Today, more than 7500 physicians and associates work alongside Daughters of Charity, continuing a legacy of service to our California communities.

“When the Daughters of Charity first arrived in San Francisco in 1852, they set a high standard of service to members of their communities,” says Sister Marjory Ann Baez, DC, Visitatrix, Province of the West. “Our California health care roots took hold in 1858 when we established the Los Angeles County Hospital, now St.Vincent Medical Center. Today, we continue to embrace that high standard and offer quality compassionate care to those in need and beyond.”

“Our hospital was founded as the San Jose Sanitarium and Home in 1889,” offers James F. Dover, President & CEO of O’Connor Hospital, a member hospital of DCHS. “Judge Myles O’Connor and his wife Amanda generously provided funds for a community facility” he adds. “We have been a presence in California for more than 150 years with a number of our original institutions still in existence today. Our Mission of caring for the sick and those living in poverty has sustained us throughout the years.”

Today, DCHS hospitals include Seton Medical Center, Daly City; Seton Coastside, Moss Beach; O’Connor Hospital, San Jose; Saint Louise Regional Hospital, Gilroy; St. Francis Medical Center, Lynwood; and St. Vincent Medical Center, Los Angeles.

San Jose, CA

“Their credibility and insight bring something medical professionals can’t offer if they haven’t been through the experience,” says Karen de la Cuesta, NP-C, stroke coordinator at O’Connor. “They connect with patients and their families because they’ve been there.”

May is National Stroke Month. Suffering a stroke is a major medical event that is often debilitating and life-altering. The outcome causes stress and emotional turmoil for not only the stroke survivor, but for family and friends as well. By providing hope and motivation to guide stroke patients through their journey of recovery, the specially trained team helps survivors reclaim their independence.

“We are proud to launch this program at O’Connor,” offers President & CEO James Dover, FACHE. “Supporting our patients throughout their care, especially those who have suffered a stroke, is at the heart of our Mission to provide excellent, compassionate care to those we serve.”

O’Connor Hospital’s Stroke Center is a Joint Commission Certified “Center of Excellence” and the recipient of the Get With the Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award.

“I am so proud of our nurses for their dedication and commitment to this program,” says Vice President of Quality Nancy Carragee, RN, MS and director of the program. “Our goal of reducing sepsis by 25 percent was met and in some cases exceeded,” she reports. “Front line clinicians deliver tremendous results when equipped with the right skills, authority and executive support. All of this adds up to excellence in patient care.”

Sepsis is defined as a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) resulting from a bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infection. An estimated 750,000 patients nationwide develop severe sepsis annually. As many as 215,000 patients die as a result of the acute infection. Costs associated with sepsis treatment in U.S. hospitals are estimated at $17 billion annually.

This program was made possible by a $2.2 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, along with matching funds from the CEOs from the three participating DCHS hospitals. According to DCHS President and CEO Robert Issai, this leadership program dovetails with the Mission and Values of DCHS. “It is imperative that we continue to grow leaders who perform as change agents to improve our quality of care,” he offers. “These graduates will now take everything they have learned, apply it and serve as mentors to their colleagues. This graduation lays the foundation for future clinical advancement and professional growth.”

Scott Thompson, RN, BSN, CEN, sees the CARE program as a system-wide collaborative effort, but also notes results at Saint Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy, where he serves as director of critical care services. “This program is beneficial to our organization as it has improved patient outcomes through early detection and treatment, ultimately saving patient lives,” he shares. “CARE also improved inter-department and physician relationships through collaboration and the use of evidence-based practice.”

DCHS partnered with Julie Kliger, RN, MPA, president of the Altos Group and creator of the Integrated Nurse Leadership Program (INLP), a change framework model which emphasizes building high functioning teams. The 18-month program was recently introduced in the two Southern California DCHS hospitals, St. Vincent Medical Center, Los Angeles and St. Francis Medical Center, Lynwood. This program has been made possible through a grant from UniHealth Foundation and the Daughters of Charity Health System.

“The program was created to form a community of leaders with a common understanding of the Vincentian charism and provide them with the tools for developing and expressing spirituality,” offers Sr. Carol Padilla, DC, vice president, Mission Integration for DCHS. “We also prepare leaders to mentor others as leaders in Catholic Vincentian health care.” Charism is considered a gift of grace bestowed by the Holy Spirit. Vincentian charism refers to the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul which are rooted in service and ministry to those living in poverty.

The Leadership Formation Program not only enlightens the participants, but enriches the entire organization as well. “Our associates who complete this course deepen their involvement with the Mission and values of DCHS,” says President and CEO Robert Issai. “Participants learn how to make ethical business decisions along with a basic understanding of ethical clinical decisions. These are critical skills to acquire in health care today.”

The graduates included DCHS associates from various departments such as financial reporting, family health, oncology and orthopedics, pharmacy, surgical services, as well as pastoral care. According to graduate Fr. Rory Murphy, Director, Spiritual Care Services at Seton Medical Center, the program enriched his commitment to the DCHS Mission. “This program gave me the opportunity to understand more deeply and embrace what makes DCHS distinctly different from other hospital or business cultures,” he offers. “We explored many things including our Vincentian spirituality and I found this to be extremely valuable to me in my work.”

Earlier in January, 18 associates from St. Vincent Medical Center, Los Angeles and St. Francis Medical Center, Lynwood graduated from a similar Leadership Formation Program. Both Southern California hospitals are also sponsored by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.

Volunteer Director Marianna Kuhn oversees the training. “When an associate signs up to take the course and become a Compassionate Companion, we have an interview process to be sure the person is right for this program,” she offers. “We’ve trained associates to be of assistance, not only to the chaplains, but to the staff as well.” Chaplains continue to administer Last Rites, but often have schedules that do not allow them to be onsite with a patient for hours and hours. “We recently ministered to a man who had no family or friends and stayed with him more than 30 hours until he passed away,” she says.

According to volunteer Genie Giguere, RN, a nurse in O’Connor’s Intensive Care Unit, many O’Connor associates have answered the call to complete the 9-hour training. “Compassionate Companions are generous hospital associates that give of their time and themselves,” she explains. “We give our coordinator our available times and dates, so when there is a need the coordinator refers to a phone tree.” Twenty-four associates are now trained and on call 24 hours a day seven days a week.

Compassionate Companions arrive on the scene with a backpack full of items such as soothing music, prayers and poetry. “We sit vigil at the bedside and hold a hand, read a book or prayer and comfort the person,” says Giguere. “The beauty that occurs in the room is serene and glorious.” Some Companions use oils to drop on the hands of their patients to provide more comfort as they sit vigil for five to 36 hours.

“We give care, we receive care and sometimes we do it at the same time,” concludes Sr. Patrice.

For more information about the program, please contact Volunteer Director Marianna Kuhn at (408) 947-3962.