St. Francis Medical Center will join these efforts and host a free Hands-Only CPR training at 3630 E. Imperial inLynwoodin the Patient Tower Auditorium on June 4 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.  CPR instructors will be on hand to demonstrate the basics and proper techniques of Hands-Only CPR, and participants will have the opportunity to practice on mannequins. The training will not result in CPR certification, but information on how you can get certified will be available.

 Cardiac arrests are more common than you think, and they can happen to anyone at any time. Nearly 300,000 out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrests occur annually and only 32 percent of cardiac arrest victims get CPR from a bystander. Failure to act in a cardiac emergency can lead to unnecessary deaths. In fact, less than eight percent of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital survive. On the other hand, effective bystander CPR provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival.

Anyone can learn CPR – and the American Heart Association believes that everyone should. Sadly, 70 percent of Americans may feel helpless to act during a cardiac emergency because they either do not know how to administer CPR or their training has significantly lapsed. This alarming statistic could hit close to home, because home is exactly where 80 percent of cardiac arrests occur. Put very simply: The life you save with CPR is mostly likely to be someone you love.

By using Hands-Only CPR, bystanders can still act to improve the odds of survival, whether they are trained in conventional CPR or not.

 Don’t be a bystander in a cardiac emergency. For more information about the free Hands-Only CPR training, contact Rosie Holden at 310-900-8539 or rosieholden@dochs.org.

St. Francis Medical Center Foundation

Grant Supports Healthy Moms, Births, Babies, and Families 

(LYNWOOD,CA) St.Francis Medical Center Foundation was awarded an initial $429,000 grant from First 5 LA to implement “Welcome Baby,” a key component of a multi-faceted approach to providing primary health prevention, parent education, and linkage to social services for St. Francis Medical Center’s maternity patients.  “Welcome Baby” offers personalized prenatal, post-partum, and hospital visits with a professionally trained Parent Coach, from pregnancy through the baby’s first 9 months for families living within First 5 LA’s Best Start Communities.  Families residing outside of the Best Start Communities are eligible for the Welcome Baby hospital visit and up to three additional home visits, if needed.  Available at no cost to all maternity patients, the “Welcome Baby” continuum of care also includes breast-feeding support as all Welcome Baby staff are Certified Lactation Educators, referrals to community resources, and an in-home visit by a registered nurse within the first week following mom and baby’s discharge from the hospital.

 According to Mary Eileen Drees, vice president of Development and CEO, St. Francis Medical Center Foundation, “’Welcome Baby’ will benefit every mother who delivers, or plans to deliver, her baby at our hospital.  Last year, more than 5,100 babies were born in ourFamilyLifeCenter.  We are delighted to be among the 24 eligible hospitals in LA County selected by First 5 LA to offer this program, and we couldn’t be happier to partner with them to help ensure the best start for moms, babies, and families in our community.”

“Welcome Baby” addresses the First 5 LA goal areas: 1) That children maintain a healthy weight; 2) That children are safe from abuse and neglect; and 3) That children are ready for kindergarten.    First 5 LA and partner hospitals work together to reach these goals by focusing on health and wellness before a baby’s birth and continuing through a child’s first critical months.  Using Parent Coaches, “Welcome Baby” addresses prenatal testing, home planning/safety, labor signs, breast-feeding, depression screening, family nutrition, observation for jaundice and hydration, infant assessments, and growth and development milestones.  Through both prenatal and postpartum hospital and home-based visits, Parent Coaches develop a relationship with the families and provide education in a convenient and comfortable setting, and help to ensure parents are connected to appropriate health care services.

“The main goal of ‘Welcome Baby’ is to work with families to enhance the parent-child relationship and the health, safety and security of the baby, and to make it easier for families to access support services when needed,” said Diana Careaga, program officer, First 5 LA.  “By providing intervention services immediately before and after birth, we can offer support to women and their families to reduce the potential risks to the baby’s health and safety.”

 Drees concluded, First 5 LA’s “Welcome Baby” grant truly adds up to contribute to the Daughters of Charity Mission of serving the needs of our community.  Every person deserves good health.  “Welcome Baby” gives everyone the opportunity to attain it.”

 About ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER

St. Francis Medical Center (SFMC) is the only comprehensive, non-profit health care institution servingSoutheast Los Angeles.  A member of the Daughters of Charity Health System, SFMC is dedicated to serving those who are sick and living in poverty.  The medical center provides a full range of diagnostic and treatment services, as well as many community outreach programs for the 700,000 adults and 300,000 children who count on SFMC for high quality and compassionate medical care.  For more information, please visit www.stfrancismedical.org.

 About First 5 LA

First 5 LA oversees the L.A.Countyallocation of funds from Proposition 10, which added a 50-cent tax on tobacco products sold in California.  Funds raised help pay for health care, education and child development programs for children from the prenatal stage to age five and their families.  First 5 LA’s mission is to increase the number of young children who are physically and emotionally healthy, safe, and ready to learn.  For more information, please visit www.first5la.org.

# # #

The DCHS Medical Foundation is expanding its footprint along the California coast. The DCHS Medical Foundation, a statewide medical foundation established by Daughters of Charity Health System and headquartered in San Jose, CA, was formed in April 2012.

The Family Medicine Associates of San Jose (FMASJ), consisting of 12 physicians, joined the DCHS Medical Foundation on December 28, 2012. The board-certified family physicians at FMASJ have provided medical care to South Bay residents since 1977. The group also serves as the teaching faculty for the O’Connor Hospital Family Medicine Residency program, which is affiliated with Stanford University.

“We are excited to be part of DCHS Medical Foundation,” says Robert Norman, MD, FMASJ president and director of the residency program. “This partnership strengthens our ability to offer a medical home to our patients while providing fully integrated continuity of care.” More than 10,000 patients receive a full spectrum of medical services at their San Jose location.

The FMASJ practice includes preventive health visits for all ages; acute care; management of chronic diseases; minor surgical procedures; maternity care, coordination of subspecialist care, and more. Areas of expertise include women’s health and obstetrics, newborn and pediatric care, sports medicine, and treatment of headaches, depression, HIV/AIDS and geriatrics.

Also partnering with the DCHS Medical Foundation are George Smith, MD, of Active Medical Group of Northern California in Daly City, and W. Brian Joyce, MD, of Morgan Hill Medical Associates in Morgan Hill. Dr. Smith is board certified in internal medicine and pain medicine. Dr. Joyce is also board certified in internal medicine.

In Southern California, All Care Medical Group and Allied Healthcare Providers Medical Group, both located in Huntington Park, are also now affiliated with the DCHS Medical Foundation. All Care is a multi-specialty medical group initiated in 1948 consisting of approximately 25 physicians, employees and independent contractors representing specialties including internal medicine, dermatology, urology, general surgery, orthopedics, pediatrics and more. Allied Healthcare Providers Medical Group is the Independent Physician Association (IPA) of All Care and was started in 1984.

Craig Kaner, currently CEO of All Care Medical Group and Allied Healthcare Providers Medical Group, has also taken on the role of the DCHS Medical Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer for Southern California. Kaner has served as administrator for All Care and Allied Healthcare Providers since 1982. Kaner is a seasoned executive with experience in operations, financial management, human resources, team building, and business development. He received his MPA in Health Services Administration from the University of Southern California.

According to Ernie Wallerstein, President and CEO of DCHS Medical Foundation, all of the new members fit into their vision of facilities who provide person-centered care. “We are seeking physician partners who provide quality care and share our values and deep-rooted commitment to serving the diverse communities where the Daughters of Charity sponsor hospitals.” offers Wallerstein. “We have found those values and level of commitment in the physicians comprising our newest affiliations.”

Benefits to physicians joining the foundation are far-reaching, according to Wallerstein. “As a new and exciting venture, the DCHS Medical Foundation offers physicians an opportunity to create the organization from the ground up. They have a voice in how we will accomplish our shared goals of achieving optimal patient outcomes while achieving cost-savings and true integration.”

“We are pleased to be moving forward in our relationship with Ascension Health,” said Robert Issai, President and Chief Executive Officer, Daughters of Charity Health System. “This affiliation agreement will create significant opportunities for us to work with Ascension Health and benefit from their strategic expertise in many areas.”

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 what is now the Congregation of St. Joseph, 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.

“Daughters of Charity Health System and Ascension Health have a common commitment to serve all with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable,” said Robert J. Henkel, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Health and Executive Vice President, Ascension Health Alliance. “This agreement will strengthen Catholic healthcare through our shared Mission.”

A Joint Advisory Committee will be formed consisting of representatives from both organizations. According to Issai, this committee will provide a platform for ongoing dialogue and strategic planning to enhance delivery of quality inpatient and outpatient care throughout California. “An affiliation agreement provides the necessary structure for DCHS to form collaborative relationships to create more efficient person-centered care for the people in our California communities,” he added.

Specific terms of the affiliation agreement are confidential.

About Ascension Health Alliance:
Ascension Health Alliance (www.ascensionhealthalliance.org) is the nation’s largest Catholic and nonprofit health system. Ascension Health Alliance is transforming healthcare 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 $1.3 billion in care of persons living in poverty and community benefit programs. Its Mission-focused Health Ministries employ more than 122,000 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.

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. Its hospitals include: Seton Medical Center, Daly City; Seton Coastside, MossBeach; 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 healthcare 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. For more information on DCHS, please visit http://www.dochs.org/.

Most recently, Kurt served as executive vice president/COO for Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, a 453-bed facility. With direct responsibility for multiple product lines and professional and support services, Weinmeister worked collaboratively with physicians, nurses, leadership, and staff to achieve operational improvements and cost-efficiencies of $25 million within a single fiscal year, while attaining four consecutive HealthGrades Outstanding Patient Experience Awards.

Additionally, Weinmeister has held key administrative positions at Baptist Health System in San Antonio, Texas; and at St. Joseph Health Center and St. Joseph Hospital West in St. Charles, Missouri, and St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Madison, Wisconsin, members of the SSM Healthcare System in St. Louis, MO.

“We are very pleased to have Kurt join the St. Francis Medical Center family and the leadership he brings to the mission and health care ministry of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul,” stated Gerald Kozai, Pharm.D., president/CEO, St. Francis Medical Center. Kozai continued, “Among Kurt’s many strengths is his care management approach to quality and improving hospital efficiencies through a focus on the patient experience, which continue to be the highest priorities for our medical center.”

Weinmeister holds a Master of Hospital and Health Care Administration degree from St. Louis University, and a Bachelor of Arts in American History from the University of Illinois, Urbana. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Chairman of the VHA West Coast COO/CFO Forum, and an active member of the Health Care Executive of Southern California board, and the boards of the Pomona Chamber of Commerce and Pomona Valley YMCA.

The event will include music from The Wave, free tours of the Women’s Imaging Center and the new 3D Mammography Technology, fun prizes and more.

View the invite: Pinkin3D or visit www.947TheWave.com/Pink3D

Learn more about 3D Mammography at St. Francis Medical Center

LYNWOOD, CA – One out of seven women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Early detection is a woman’s best chance for effective treatment and survival. St. Francis Medical Center (SFMC) is committed to providing women with the most advanced breast cancer screening technology and announced its new state-of-the art 3D mammography at the SFMC Foundation event, “The Gift.”

“The Gift” was the Foundation’s 1st Annual Women’s Luncheon and Fashion Show, held on May 9 at the Kyoto Grand Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Featuring the latest trends in style, the event spotlighted the latest technology coming to SFMC and raised funds to help make this diagnostic advancement available to uninsured women.

SFMC is among only 11 mammography centers in the U.S., and the first in Los Angeles, to offer Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT), or 3D breast imaging. DBT has the capability to capture multiple images of the breast at different angles during a sweep of the x-ray tube in just four seconds. The images are reconstructed into 1mm slices, allowing the radiologist to see overlapping structures.

“Traditional mammograms only take two angles of the breast,” said SFMC Imaging Director Najib Elsouki. “Tomosynthesis takes 11 different angles or more, and uses less compression than traditional mammograms, which means less discomfort for patients.”

SFMC expects to have this new technology operational in October 2012.
According to Mary Eileen Drees, SFMC vice president of Development and SFMC Foundation CEO, “’The Gift’ raised awareness for breast cancer screening and educated the community about the advanced 3D imaging technology that will soon be available to women in our area. The event coincided with Mother’s Day celebrations and encouraged women to remind their mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, and loved ones to have regular mammograms, and to do this for themselves as well.”

The gala included a Mother’s Day gift boutique, silent auction, live auction, and grand prize give-away. It showcased a panorama of Pink Gloves, highlighted by a live Pink Glove audience dance, and a Pink Glove Fashion Show featuring SFMC doctors, nurses, and Foundation donors modeling clothes and accessories by Hale Bob and Amal of Beverly Hills.

Proceeds benefited women’s health initiatives at St. Francis Medical Center and will also be used to make the new 3D mammography and other health, health education, and screening services available to uninsured and under-insured women.

“Digital Breast Tomosynthesis can help save lives,” stated Drees. “Our event showcased the beautiful women of every age, ethnicity, and economic background who will benefit from this technology. Life is a gift and we want to make sure that every woman has the chance to live it, and share it, to her fullest and healthiest.”

 Learn More about 3D Mammography at St. Francis Medical Center

LYNWOOD, Calif. – The Trauma Center at St. Francis Medical Center has been successfully verified as a Level II Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS).  This achievement recognizes the Trauma Center’s dedication to providing optimal care for sick and injured patients.

According to Tchaka Shepherd, MD, Medical Director of Trauma Services at St. Francis, “We are very proud to receive Trauma Center Verification for it reflects the commitment of our entire trauma team and this medical center to providing every patient with the highest quality, compassionate care.”

ACSACS’ Consultation/Verification Program for Hospitals promotes the development of trauma centers, and encompasses comprehensive care.  This means that hospitals must not only provide the resources necessary for the treatment of traumatic injury, but also the entire spectrum of care to address the needs of all injured patients.  This spectrum includes the pre-hospital phase through the rehabilitation process.

Verified trauma centers must meet the essential criteria that ensure trauma care capability and institutional performance, as outlined by the ACS’ Committee on Trauma in its current Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient manual.  Each hospital has an on-site review by a team of experienced reviewers, who use the manual as a guideline for conducting the survey.

St. Francis Medical Center operates one of the busiest private emergency/trauma centers in Los Angeles County, affirming its essential role in the hospital safety network.  In its last fiscal year, St. Francis Trauma Center treated 1,393 trauma patients.

Dr. Shepherd stated, “St. Francis Medical Center opened its Trauma Center in 1996 at a time when many trauma centers and emergency departments were closing their doors.  This Verification validates the life-saving work that is performed here each day and our dedication to ensuring critical health care access for our community.”

ABOUT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS

The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational association of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical education and practice and to improve the care of the surgical patient.  The College has over 72,000 members, and it is the largest association of surgeons in the world.  Longstanding achievements have placed the ACS in the forefront of American surgery and have made it an important advocate for all surgical patients.

– Patient Care Quality and Safety Recognized –

LYNWOOD, CA — St. Francis Medical Center has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in computer tomography (CT) as the result of a recent survey by the American College of Radiology (ACR).  This is the third accreditation attained by the Imaging Department, which also received accreditation for mammography and ultrasound.

The ACR, headquarted in Reston, VA, awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer-review evaluation of the facility’s CT systems and processes, as related to the provision of quality patient care.  Evaluations are conducted by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field.  They assess the qualifications of the physicians, technologists, and staff personnel and the adequacy of the facility’s equipment.  The surveyors report their findings to the ACR’s Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the facility with a comprehensive report.

“This accreditation reflects St. Francis Medical Center’s commitment to the highest standards of safety and quality patient care,” stated Michael Noronha, MD, Chairman, Department of Imaging.  “Our patients and community put their trust in us,” he continued.  “Service excellence will always be our top priority.”

Najib Elsouki, CRT, director of Diagnostic Imaging Services for St. Francis Medical Center, added, “We are very proud of our dedicated staff who combine their expertise with state-of-the-art technology to provide every patient who comes through our doors with the highest quality, compassionate care.”

The ACR is a national organization serving more than 32,000 diagnostic and interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists and nuclear medicine and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.

The study examined the performance of more than 1,000 hospitals by analyzing outcomes for patients with heart failure and heart attacks and for those who received coronary bypass surgery and percutaneous coronary interventions such as angioplasties.

This year’s winners were announced November 14 in Modern Healthcare magazine.

“This award reflects the medical center’s commitment to the highest standards of quality, safety, and patient care,” stated Gerald Kozai, Pharm.D., St. Francis Medical Center president and chief executive officer.  “This recognition is shared among our dedicated team of physicians, nurses, leaders, and ancillary and support staff, who exemplify our mission of providing excellent care that is compassionate and patient centered, and who embrace a culture of collaboration and performance improvement that will continue to move us forward to achieve the best patient care outcomes.”

“This year’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals have continued to deliver excellent care and have been able to improve their performance in a tough economic climate,” said Jean Chenoweth, senior vice president for performance improvement and 100 Top Hospitals® program at Thomson Reuters. “The hospitals in this study have provided measurably better care and are more efficient than their peers, demonstrating incredibly strong focus by hospital leadership at a time when the healthcare system is steeped in volatility.”

The study shows that 97 percent of cardiovascular inpatients in U.S. hospitals survive and approximately 96 percent remain complication-free, reflecting improved cardiovascular care across-the-board over the past year. The 50 top hospitals’ performance surpasses these high-water marks as indicated by:

• Better risk-adjusted survival rates (23 percent fewer deaths than non-winning hospitals for bypass surgery patients).

• Lower complications indices (40 percent lower rate of heart failure complications).

• Fewer patients readmitted to the hospital after 30 days.

• Shorter hospital visits and lower costs. Top hospitals discharge bypass patients nearly a full day sooner and spend $4,200 less per bypass case than non-winners.

• Increased use of internal mammary artery (IMA) for coronary artery bypass surgeries.  Top hospitals have increased their use of this recommended procedure from 88 to 96 percent

The study evaluated general and applicable specialty, short-term, acute care, non-federal U.S. hospitals treating a broad spectrum of cardiology patients.

Thomson Reuters researchers analyzed 2009 and 2010 Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MedPAR) data, Medicare cost reports, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare data. They scored hospitals in key performance areas: risk-adjusted mortality, risk-adjusted complications, core measures (a group of measures that assess process of care), percentage of coronary bypass patients with internal mammary artery use, 30-day mortality rates, 30-day readmission rates, severity-adjusted average length of stay, and wage- and severity-adjusted average cost.

ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER

St. Francis Medical Center (SFMC) is the only comprehensive, non-profit health care institution serving Southeast Los Angeles.  A member of the Daughters of Charity Health System, SFMC is dedicated to serving those who are sick and living in poverty.  The medical center provides a full range of diagnostic and treatment services, as well as many community outreach programs for the 700,000 adults and 300,000 children who count on SFMC for high quality and compassionate medical care.

Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters is the world’s leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals.  Thomson Reuters combines industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, health care and science and media markets, powered by the world’s most trusted news organization. With headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs 55,000 people and operates in over 100 countries.

St. Francis Medical Center’s Heart and Vascular Medicine program includes a dedicated team of cardiac specialists and vascular surgeons who provide a full range of diagnostic and treatment services.

            The Supreme Court’s decision that the Affordable Care Act, including the individual mandate, is constitutional will help to ensure that all people living in California have access to health insurance coverage while curtailing the cost shifting that has plagued the healthcare system for decades.   

            “Living in a state with a significant number of people living below or near the poverty line, this decision is transformative and profoundly important for Californians,” said DCHS President & CEO Robert Issai. “The Affordable Care Act is the most significant advance in the provision of healthcare in the last 50 years, and we are grateful to President Obama and Leader Nancy Pelosi for demonstrating courageous leadership.”

            The ruling is critically important to efforts by Daughters of Charity Health System to find new ways of collaborating with community stakeholders in providing compassionate, quality care; reducing healthcare costs; and improving the patient experience. “We are working with other providers and community groups to help create comprehensive and coordinated systems of care to address chronic illnesses and disease early to promote wellness and keep people out of the hospital,” said DCHS Chief Public Policy Officer Conway Collis. “Working in this way to help implement the Affordable Care Act is at the heart of our mission.”

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. 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. DCHS was formed in response to the health care needs of the people of California. Every day, more than 7,000 associates and physicians serve patients and their loved ones, providing quality, compassionate care – body, mind and spirit. For more information about DCHS, please visit www.dochs.org.

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.

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.”

 

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.