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.”

 

The only people affected by the flu were live-in patients (residents) and hospital staff; there was no threat to outpatients in the Seton Coastside emergency department.

“Our highest priority is always to ensure our patients receive the safe, high-quality, compassionate care for which Seton Coastside is known,” said Seton Interim CEO Jim Schuessler. Mr. Shuessler pointed out that Seton Coastside has been a caring community partner and resource for 41years, and is committed to the Daughters of Charity Mission of serving community members, regardless of their ability to pay.

Since the last case of the flu at Coastside was March 30, we are now once again open to admitting inpatient residents. As the only emergency department on the coast, we have been consistently caring for emergency patients.

• We welcome you to visit your loved ones.
• Visiting hours remain the same – visitors are welcome any time of day or night.
• Children may visit their loved ones.

The flu outbreak at Seton Medical Center Coastside affected 35 residents and 10 associates. Unfortunately, three residents died as a result of the flu and our hearts go out to their loved ones. All three were over 65 years old and according to the San Mateo County Health Department, people 65 and older are particularly susceptible to the common flu, even if they have been vaccinated.

If you are a member of the media, please call Beth Volz at 650-991-6814.

If you would like to speak with someone at Seton Coastside, please call Judy Cook, Seton Coastside Administrative Director, at 650-563-7123.

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

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.

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.