5. Compassionate Care

Not-for-profit health care organizations like St. John’s were formed out of a desire to address unmet community health needs. When city leaders identified a need for a hospital in the late 19th century, a Springfield physician invited the Sisters of Mercy to town, and St. John’s Hospital opened in 1891. The Sisters took care of anyone who needed help, regardless of their ability to pay.

Today, the Sisters’ sense of compassion and hospitality even carries over to St. John’s billing processes. St. John’s provides the care patients need first. Then patients are assisted with the financial challenges they may face with clear and consistent billing and collection practices that make sure everyone is treated fairly. When patients are uninsured or cannot afford the cost of care, St. John’s works to minimize the financial impact.

In fiscal year 2004, St. John’s provided nearly $61 million in community benefits, including charity care and Medicaid subsidies, touching the lives of nearly 20,000 patients.

“We believe compassion, spirituality and hospitality all contribute to healing. The presence of those three characteristics are what set St. John’s apart,” says Ann Meuser, director of Mission Services.