Celebration & Heartfelt Thanks
On Wednesday, January 6th the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation gathered together those who contributions helped provide our community with the most critical care of all—world class improvements to the Haggen Family Emergency and Trauma Center. While Foundation President Joanne Robinson “led the charge,” insisted Nancy Steiger, CEO and CMO, “the generosity of people in this room made it happen.”
“By that I am truly humbled,” confessed Laura Schlenker, Emergency Department Manager, citing a host of impacts already evidenced by the completion of Phase II. Among these: the capacity to handle an increase in ER visits of over 20,000 people this year, 60 more patients per day receiving quality care; a rise in patient satisfaction, also a decline in those leaving before treatment. “And for the pride and hope you have given staff, I have such a grateful heart.”
While numbers suggest the scope of need, Joanne Robinson described how profoundly personal care resonated for a friend battling lung cancer—how important it was that they offered guidance and comfort through what might have otherwise felt like an immense and frightening system. Nancy Steiger shared her own ED experience, soon echoed by murmured stories from around the room.
The gathering was concluded with tours of the remodeled facilities, directing attention to new the donor recognition panels.