| Benedictine
Health System reorganizes
The Benedictine Health System based in Duluth, Minnesota recently changed its corporate organizational structure. St. Mary’s Hospital and Clinics in Cottonwood and Clearwater Valley Hospital and Clinics in Orofino have been participating organizations of BHS. According to Casey Meza, SMHC/CVHC CEO, the Benedictine Health System has been comprised of both hospitals and physician clinics, as well as long term care facilities, assisted living and retirement centers. A new corporation has been formed, Essentia Community Hospitals and Clinics, which is comprised solely of acute care hospitals and physician clinics. The long term care facilities will remain as members of BHS. “The corporate reorganization does not have any repercussions for our employees or our patients,” said Meza. “Things will remain as they always have. We’ll continue to receive excellent support from Essentia. It just made sense to split the two groups into two separate corporations because acute care and long term care have so many different needs and funding sources. ECHC will be better able to focus just on the acute care arena.” BHS was founded in 1985 by a community of Benedictine sisters to further their healthcare ministry. Until its reorganization BHS had 40 participating organizations in seven states. The current reorganization took effect on January 1, 2008. SMHC has been a member since 1990 and CVHC has been affiliated with BHS since 1998. “Again, there will be no apparent differences for our employees or our patients, but area residents will begin seeing references to ECHC in our publicity and on our letterhead,” said Meza. “We’re proud of our connection with ECHC and our former affiliation with BHS. Our mission and four core values of respect, justice, hospitality and stewardship will continue on.” |
 |
