The mission statement of St. Joseph Medical Center and Catholic Health Initiatives is to: "Nurture the healing ministry of the Church by bringing it new life, energy and viability in the 21st century. Fidelity to the Gospel urges us to emphasize human dignity and social justice as we move toward the creation of healthier communities."

St. Joseph Medical Center and Catholic Health Initiatives thrives on its mission of Catholic health care as a vibrant ministry, ready to provide compassionate care of the mind, body and spirit of patients through the 21st century and beyond. It maintains a philosophy of compassion and spiritual healing and embraces the diversity, spirituality, and economic dimensions of all peoples. The organization places particular emphasis on providing access to quality health care for those in our community who are least able to afford it. St. Joseph Medical Center considers this central to the organization mission.

Description:
Catholic Health Initiatives' vision is to sustain and enhance each market area by creating a national Catholic ministry that will live out its mission by transforming traditional health care delivery and creating new ministries that promote healthy communities. St. Joseph Medical Center's purpose is to extend their vision into the Berks and surrounding communities it services.

History:
St. Joseph Medical Center is a not-for-profit hospital with nearly 1500 employees and is one of the top ten largest employers in Berks County. It has been named a Top 100 hospital in the United States for 2002 and 2003. Founded in 1873 by the Sisters of St. Francis, the medical center provides a full-range of outpatient and inpatient diagnostic, medical and surgical services to Berks County's 380,000 residents through a two-campus system, and nearly 20 outpatient facilities.

The medical center is widely recognized for its medical and surgical innovation in cardiology, pulmonary, vascular, oncology, orthopedic and wound care services. It is currently building a state-of-the-art health campus, which will include a 220-bed acute care hospital.

The new campus will open in 2006 and will compliment the services of a thriving 266,000 square foot Community Health Center and Family Practice Clinic in downtown Reading. The system also has a 100-bed assisted living center, a community-based pharmacy and two retail outlets for medical equipment and supplies. St. Joseph also is affiliated with Covenant Home Health and Hospice, a partnership between the medical center, the Diocese of Allentown and Good Samaritan Hospital, Pottsville.

The medical center is a member of a national system of 65 Catholic hospitals called Catholic Health Initiatives, which is headquartered in Denver, Colorado.

Contact person: Sr. Bridget McNamara, OSF, Director, Volunteer Services, (610) 378-2255, (email)
Office fax number: (610) 378-2318

Address:

PO Box 316 Reading, PA 19603

Web Site: http://www.sjmcberks.org

Directions:

As you enter the city of Reading, turn onto Penn Street. Continue on Penn Street to 11th Street. Turn left; go three blocks to 11th and Elm Streets. Make a right onto Elm Street down the block. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: Corner of 12th and Walnut Streets