IN THIS ISSUE:

  News Stories

    REGULAR FEATURES:

  A Message From the President
  By the Numbers
  Human Resources FYI
  Medical News
  News Briefs
  Professional Notes
  SLU Stars
  Top Ten
  Trivia Corner

Search This Issue

Saint Louis University

Dear Colleague:

By now, you have heard about the pending sale of Saint Louis University Hospital to Tenet Healthcare Corp. I want to promise everyone in the University community that we, the University administration and the board of trustees, are committed to ensuring the future of our world-class health care education programs and are equally committed to caring for the poor.

Charity care is, and always has been, a vital part of our mission. Charity care was at the forefront of our discussions with potential partners. Tenet believes wholeheartedly in this mission and will continue this important service to our community.

Please know that:

• Tenet is committed, and bound by contract, to offer charity care. In fact, Tenet offered more money for charity care than was offered by any other potential partner.
• Tenet has agreed to offer charity care that equals or surpasses current levels in perpetuity.
• Tenet has agreed to abide by the Ethical and Religious Directives of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
• Tenet will spend $1.5 million to endow a professional chair in medical ethics.
• Our active program of pastoral care for families and patients will continue seven days a week under University auspices.
• The hospital's governing board will be composed entirely of Saint Louis University faculty physicians and community members.
• All current hospital employees will become Tenet employees when the transaction closes, with standard benefits and seniority.

Please know that the board of trustees faced a serious decision. We are satisfied that our agreement with Tenet, a strong and growing company, is the best way Saint Louis University Hospital, as well as our nationally recognized Health Sciences Center, can provide the finest care to the entire St. Louis area while continuing to provide charity care to those in need.

We thank you for your support.

Lawrence Biondi, SJ
President