BRIDGEPORT,
September 7, 2005 - On behalf of the Roman Catholic Diocese
of Bridgeport, Bishop William E. Lori announced
today that the Diocese will continue its commitment to health
care for the elderly by seeking a new and stronger health care
provider to support and enhance its three facilities in Trumbull,
Danbury, and Stamford.
"Our
reputation for compassionate health care is excellent," said
Bishop Lori. "Now it is time for us to explore opportunities
with other quality health care providers with significant financial
resources who share our vision and will maintain and expand this
ministry."
The Diocese
operates three nursing homes: St. Joseph's Manor
in Trumbull (founded in 1960), Pope John Paul II Center
for Health Care in Danbury (1984), and St. Camillus
Health Center in Stamford (1988). The homes employ 900
people, and have a total of 562 beds.
A
Catholic Ministry
"Health
care is a Catholic ministry. This is what the Catholic Church
does, and does extraordinarily well," Bishop Lori said. "We're
keeping faith with our commitment. But the question before us
now is, "How can we continue this high quality for the next
generation?'"
The Bishop
said that, as a small sponsor of health care with limited financial
resources, the Diocese has had to support the three homes over
many years. The homes have also posted losses on an operating
basis. The current reimbursement environment in the State of Connecticut
has only made the problems worse.
"Our
biggest problem is that the State of Connecticut's reimbursement
has consistently lagged behind the cost of patient care on a day-to-day
basis," said Michael R. Bird, Executive
Director of the Bridgeport Diocesan Health Care Corporation, that
oversees the three homes. "It's a large gap that the Diocese
has filled to deliver a superior level of health care to our residents.
But we simply do not have enough capital resources to keep up
with these and other demands in the long-term.
"We had
great hopes that the Provider Tax Legislation recently passed
by the state would help us," Mr. Bird continued. "But
the decision by the state to divert more than half of the federal
match away from the nursing home industry only confirmed our decision
to seek new solutions for the future."
In spite of
the difficulties, Mr. Bird singled out the "heroic efforts"
of employees and volunteers who are dedicated to maintaining high
standards. "Their compassion and spirit have helped the homes
build their sterling reputation among people of all faiths in
Fairfield County," he said. "Now this reputation will
help us attract the resources our employees need to continue their
job of providing the dignified care our residents deserve in their
later years."
Seeking
New Solutions
"With
our three homes as models of health care quality, efficiency,
and compassion, the time is right to extend an invitation to potential
sponsors to submit long-term solutions to the challenges at hand,"
Bishop Lori said.
The Bishop
reached this decision after intensive discussions and helpful
advice from three Diocesan groups, representing priests, religious,
and the lay faithful: the College of Consultors (12 priests who
advise the Bishop on important matters); the Diocesan Finance
Council (professional lay men and women and members of the clergy
who advise the Bishop on the financial stewardship of the Diocese);
and the Board of the Bridgeport Diocesan Health Care Corporation
(a board of laity and clergy who oversee the operation of the
three homes).
"We are
on the right track with this plan," said Msgr. Edward
B. Karl, Pastor of Saint Mary Parish in Bethel and a
member of the Board of Pope John Paul II Center. "As a Pastor,
I have witnessed the importance of all three of our homes and
the wonderful care they give to our seniors and the loving support
they offer to the families. It is not just quality health care,
but Catholic care, which means the world to all of us."
Lay
Involvement and Support
"Over
the past few years, 18 nursing homes in Connecticut have closed,"
said Robert E. Ix of Greenwich, a member of the
St. Camilllus Board. "The Diocese clearly recognizes the
challenge facing our three homes in Fairfield County, and has
made a commitment to maintain this vital service. I applaud this
forward-looking plan."
E.
Terry Durant, Esq., an attorney who
practices in Bridgeport, has been a member of the St. Joseph's
Manor Board for more than 25 years. His father spent his final
years as a resident of the Manor.
"The
quality of care for residents provided by the Carmelite Sisters
and by each and every employee of St. Joseph's Manor is, without
question, unsurpassed in the state," Attorney Durant said.
"Their professionalism, dedication, and sincerity have always
been at the highest level despite the serious economic squeeze
between the disappointing level of state reimbursement and the
continued need to provide competitive wages and benefits to their
loyal and skilled employees.
"It is
with this background that I wholeheartedly support the Bishop's
plan to reach out for help from other quality health care providers,"
Attorney Durant continued. "It is the most prudent route,
if not the only route, to ensure the continued high quality of
resident care and the retention of our skilled and valued employees."
Robert
N. Talarico, Esq., a Danbury attorney, has served on
the Board of the Pope John Paul II Center for more than 20 years.
"I have first-hand knowledge of the outstanding care that
is provided to our residents, including my late father and now
my mother," he said. "She is 92, suffers from old age
dementia, and is now a permanent resident. My parents always received
the finest, loving care that anyone could expect from a nursing
facility.
"It seems
to me that the Bishop's plan is the best possible way to continue
to provide Catholic nursing home care into the next generation,"
Attorney Talarico concluded.
Catholic
Culture
The Diocese
has contracted with Stroudwater Capital, an experienced
health care advisory firm, to identify appropriate potential sponsors
who would, in addition to maintaining a superior level of health
care, preserve the Catholic identity of the homes and continue
to offer pastoral care, including daily Mass. With a change
in sponsorship, the Bishop will remain involved, guaranteeing
continued pastoral care and the highest ethical standards.
"In speaking
with any potential sponsor, two principles are paramount: all
spiritual and ethical guidelines must be maintained, and all employees
must be treated with dignity and respect," said Joseph
R. Lupica, President of Stroudwater Capital. "The
culture of these homes is unique, and we believe it gives them
a competitive advantage."
Residents
and staff at the three health care facilities were informed of
the news today, with a letter from Bishop Lori and a set of answers
to questions that may arise (reprinted
below).
Planning
for the Future
“Our
residents are very important to us, and everything we do here
is for their benefit,” says Sister Michelle Ann
Reho, O. Carm., Administrator of St. Joseph’s Manor.
“The Diocese of Bridgeport and the Carmelite Sisters are
committed to caring for God’s most vulnerable people, the
elderly. Additional support can make this ministry stronger and
more vibrant in the future.”
"We are,
all of us, nurses first," added Diane A. Pimentel,
Administrator of Pope John Paul II Center. "All of our efforts
are for the best possible care for our residents. That includes
not simply physical care but sound administrative planning for
the future of our ministry, which will continue."
John
Halleran, Administrator of St. Camillus, agreed. "We
want these homes to continue," he said. "If we do nothing,
we risk forfeiting our entire mission, which is unthinkable. We
want to ensure this ministry is vital and growing for the next
generation, when we ourselves may have need of their superior
care."
Pledge
to Keep Communities Informed
Any financial
or sponsorship proposals will be thoroughly discussed with the
consultative bodies of the Diocese. Approvals from state authorities
will be required.
The Diocese
is committed to open communication. The Diocese will keep the
residents, staff, and the general public informed of the progress.
Part
of the Solution
"The
Diocese of Bridgeport is staying in this ministry to the elderly,
and we want to be part of the long-term solution," Bishop
Lori concluded. "Our three homes are treasures we want to
safeguard, and our valued employees and dedicated volunteers are
vital to the success of our homes. We want to continue this proud
tradition for the next generation. That is the meaning of good
stewardship."
-30-
KEEPING
FAITH
How
the Diocese of Bridgeport plans to continue its ministry
to the elderly in Fairfield County
Answers
to Questions
What
is meant by "Keeping Faith"?
"Our
ministry to the elderly is a Catholic ministry. This is what
the Catholic Church does, and does extraordinarily well,"
says Bishop William E. Lori. "We're keeping faith with
our commitment by seeking new and stronger financial solutions
to ensure the homes' vitality for the next generation. The question
before us now with our three health care facilities is, "How
can we continue this high quality for the next generation?'"
What
are the challenges facing St. Joseph's Manor in Trumbull, Pope
John Paul II Center for Health Care in Danbury, and St. Camillus
Health Center in Stamford?
Our
three homes have an outstanding reputation for high-quality
care in a Catholic environment. We are justifiably proud of
our employees and the miracles they work every day. But behind
the scenes for many years, challenges have grown. As a small
sponsor of health care with limited financial resources, the
Diocese of Bridgeport has struggled to support these homes.
The current reimbursement level from the State of Connecticut
has only made the problems worse.
Why
is the state reimbursement causing such problems for us?
The
state reimbursement we receive per-patient is less than our
actual costs per-patient. In other words, we simply do not have
enough financial resources to keep up with the service demands.
This is not a new problem, and, in a quiet way, we have tried
to keep pace, without sacrificing the high standard of care
in our three homes.
The
situation, however, has not improved. We had great hopes that
the Provider Tax Legislation recently passed by the state would
help us. The decision by the state to divert over half of the
federal match away from the nursing home industry confirmed
our decision to seek new solutions for the long-term.
The
Annual Bishop's Appeal just set an all-time giving record. Couldn't
we raise money to support our three homes?
In
theory, we could. But such a fundraising campaign would be larger
than any we have ever undertaken in this Diocese. While it might
maintain the status quo at the three homes, it would not address
their long-term needs. Our homes must have increased financial investment
to take their service to the next level, for the next generation.
A sponsor whose primary mission is health care will bring the
necessary capital resources to this effort. This is our mission,
and, as good stewards, we cannot ignore our responsibility.
Are
you planning to sell the homes? Or close them?
Our
objective is crystal clear: to continue our ministry to the
elderly. It is too early in the process to speculate on the
outcome. But we have had strong interest from qualified potential
sponsors who share our Catholic values and culture and believe
in a bright future for Catholic health care in Fairfield County.
We are proud of our history and reputation, and want to continue
and strengthen this vital ministry - not see it disappear.
Will
employees lose their jobs?
In
speaking with any potential new sponsor, two principles are
paramount: all spiritual and ethical guidelines must be maintained,
and all employees must be treated with dignity and respect.
These are not negotiable items.
Will
my relatives have to find another place for quality care?
No.
Nothing has changed because of this announcement. The same high
level of care and attention that you have come to expect will
continue, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at each of our three
homes.
"We
are staying in this ministry, and want to be part of the solution,"
Bishop Lori says. "Our three homes are treasures we want
to safeguard, and our valued employees and dedicated volunteers
are vital to the success of our homes. We want to continue this
proud tradition into the next generation. That is the meaning
of good stewardship."
Will
the Carmelite Sisters stay at St. Joseph's Manor?
The
Sisters have agreed to stay during this transition period and
are open to working with any potential sponsor. We would expect
that any potential sponsor would recognize the importance of
continuing this ministry in partnership with the Sisters.
Did
the Bishop reach this decision on his own?
No.
Bishop Lori has made it his job to work closely with the clergy
and the laity, seeking professional advice on matters of great
importance, and this is no exception. He worked closely with
three groups: the College of Consultors (12 priests who advise
the Bishop on matters of great importance); the Diocesan Finance
Council (professional lay men and women and members of the clergy
who advise the Bishop on the financial stewardship of the Diocese);
and the Bridgeport Diocesan Health Care Corporation (a board
of priests, women religious, and lay people who oversee the
operation of the three homes).
Does
this proposed change have anything to do with abuse settlements?
No.
Abuse settlements are funded through insurance and the sale
of surplus land owned by the Diocese. No change of sponsorship
of our nursing homes is in any way connected to funding settlements.
How
can I find out more information?
We
are committed to open communication, and will make every effort
to keep you informed regarding our progress.
In
the meantime, if you have questions, please contact Michael
Bird, Executive Director of the Bridgeport Diocesan Health
Care Corporation, by calling (203) 372-4301, ext. 324,
or by sending an e-mail: mbird@diobpt.org.
Thank
you for your understanding and patience as we proceed.