Ready or not, here comes health care reform!

Enormous changes in how health care is delivered will occur within the next couple years. Hospitals and physicians must be ready for those changes or risk significant financial penalties.

St. Luke''s is ready. In fact, as the newest member of ProMedica Health System, we''re eager for reform. Our new status creates levels of integration and opportunity that are ideal for new federal mandates.

I like to think of health care reform as a massive construction project. To be successful, organizations need the right tools for the job. As an independent organization, we had some very important tools, like high quality, value and extraordinary patient satisfaction. While those are certainly important, they weren''t quite enough.

We needed the strength of numbers, the vigor of a strong financial foundation. Together with ProMedica, we will build a future that continues to provide valuable jobs, greater access for patients, and improved efficiency so that residents of our communities may continue to receive the best care possible.

This agreement with ProMedica is another step in our journey of service and compassionate care. Both St. Luke''s and ProMedica have a strong, patient-centered approach to health care and mission-driven cultures. St. Luke''s commitment to "patients first" care comes from the heart of our employees and will be stronger than ever.

I hope you share our enthusiasm as we build a great future together with ProMedica!

Dan Wakeman
President/CEO