IN THIS ISSUE:
REGULAR FEATURES:
Dear Colleague:
Very shortly the ownership of Saint Louis University Hospital will pass to Tenet Healthcare Corp.
I would be remiss at this time if I didn't thank all of the employees at the hospital for their years of dedication and diligence in providing outstanding patient care. These committed women and men no longer will be employees of Saint Louis University, but they still will be our partners.
The agreement we reached with Tenet regarding the hospital makes us true partners. Saint Louis University Hospital will continue to be the principal teaching site for our students and residents, and after the sale is completed the University will have an equal voice in the direct governance of the hospital through equal representation on the hospital's board.
We will be working together to ensure that Saint Louis University Hospital remains a first-class academic hospital while serving as the hub for Tenet's network.
Later this month I'm looking forward to meeting and talking with hospital employees in person during a special "thank you" program and plan to present them with small gifts, tokens of the University's appreciation for their years of service. This will be an all-day event on Feb. 27 so we can cover each of the hospital's different shifts.
After the hospital sale closes, there will be a period of transition for everyone. I realize that change is never easy, but I ask for all parties involved Ñ the newest employees of Tenet and all of our employees at the Health Sciences Center Ñ to lend us their understanding.
Making this decision began more than a year ago and was a process that took a lot of time and careful thought. I have no doubt that once the transaction takes place it will be a "win-win" situation for all parties: health education programs will continue to thrive at Saint Louis University Hospital, and the hospital will remain open and thrive as a top-notch, cutting edge facility offering the finest in patient care.
God bless you.Lawrence Biondi, SJ
President