Franciscan Physicians Hospital changes name to Franciscan Healthcare - Munster

Effective July 1, Franciscan Physicians Hospital, 701 Superior Ave., changed its name to Franciscan Healthcare - Munster "to better reflect the hospital as an evolving, full-service, health care center," according to Barb Greene, hospital president.

"The new name is more reflective of the high-quality, broader-scope, medical center it represents today and will into the future, while serving Munster and the surrounding communities," she said.

The change also was made in light of the hospital’s changeover from a previously, for-profit partnership between Franciscan Alliance and a number of physician shareholders, to a nonprofit.

"“Over time, an agreement was made with the physician partners to sell their shares of the hospital to Franciscan Alliance," Greene said. As a result of that process, the hospital is now fully owned by Franciscan Alliance and its status has changed to a nonprofit."

"The new name fully supports our unique system brand, Franciscan, as our anchor and foundation. The term, Healthcare, represents the comprehensive array of medical services we offer and plan for the future,” Greene said.

"Adding the town to the name identifies our geographical location to the patients and communities we are privileged to serve."

The growth will continue, according to Greene.

"A major master facility plan to enlarge the Franciscan Healthcare - Munster campus also is on the horizon. It includes the addition of an emergency department, bed tower, chapel and other expanded services," Greene said.

Celebrating National Nurses & Hospital Week 2013

A special message from our Mission and Spiritual Care Team:

May 6-12, 2013 is National Nurses Week. No other profession touches people the same way a nurse does. Our nurses touch the heart, soul, mind and body of each patient.

A patient commented, "I am 82 years old and the nurse saw that I was frightened and she asked if I wanted her to stay with me…. She stayed and comforted me…. I loved the concern and I felt safe!!!" Another patient commented, "Nurses may not be angels, but they are the next best things…."

Although each day is a challenge, and the work is often physically and emotionally demanding, what a privilege the nursing profession must be. Florence Nightingale – the Founder of Nursing – put it well: nursing is a "higher calling" for the special few who can combined art and science into a thing of beauty, compassion and caring at the bedside. It is not just a job, it is a mission.

Following Nurses Week, we celebrate National Hospital Week, May 12-18, 2013. For years, Franciscan Alliance hospitals have touched the hearts, souls, minds and bodies of thousands in Nortwest Indiana and South Chicago land. It is a continuing mission that begun 150 years ago by Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel – the Founder of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Perpetual Adoration. Little did Florence Nightingale and Mother Theresia realize that over a century later their visions would converge across the Atlantic as Franciscan Alliance.

Let us honor and celebrate our nurses and staff for continuing to answer the call to bring Christ’s compassion and caring to others. WE ARE PROUD OF OUR NURSES! WE ARE PROUD OF OUR STAFF!

Follow Your Heart...

When you need heart care, how do you find the right provider? Throughout the region, physicians and patients alike turn to Franciscan Alliance. From minimally invasive procedures to open heart surgeries, they know Franciscan Alliance brings the best of technology and innovative advances. For the finest in heart care, simply follow your heart.

Blessing of the Franciscan Hammond Clinic

June 15, 2011 - Today marked the blessing and commitment service of the Franciscan Hammond Clinic. Staff gathered to give thanks for the clinic and to commit to its healing ministry. Together, the Franciscan Hammond Clinic and Franciscan Alliance are able to offer patients access to more providers, newer procedures, and new diagnostics.

Philips Cath Lab Blessing Moves Operations Forward

Franciscan Physicians Hospital, proud to announce the opening of their new Philips FD20 Cath Lab, held a blessing of the space on Wednesday, June 1st, in the hospital's lower level. The new FD20 is a state-of-the-art lab that provides enhanced image quality with flat-panel technology.

During the blessing, Father Gregory Holicky was designated as Celebrant, with Barb Greene, FPH President, and Tracey Franovich, VP of OPerations/CNO, welcoming guests and providing the opening remarks.

Recommitment reading was done by Sister Jane Marie, Chairperson for the Board of Trustees, and Dr. Paul Jones, Interventional Cardiologist and Endovascular Specialist, read the Word of God.

Procedures afforded by the new Philips system will provide the level of detail image necessary for complex surgical/endovascular procedures such as peripheral vascular work, carotid stenting, complex revascularization and complex thoracic and abdominal aneurysm repairs.

FPH President Barb Greene states, "We're moving in an expansive new direction with this technologically advanced machine. The Philips system is going to provide Franciscan Physicians Hospital with some of the most definitive interventional abilities in the NWI region and greater Chicago land area. We look forward to promoting its capabilities with our exceptional Cardiology team."

With technician training now complete, cases will begin this week in the hospital's new cath lab.

Watch the attached video to see the Cath Lab Blessing and the Cath Lab itself.



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