06/28/2007
(HARTFORD, Conn.) Five employees of Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center have been named recipients of the first annual Sisters of Saint Joseph Awards, given by the Hospital in honor of the religious community that founded and staffed Saint Francis in 1897.
The recipients were judged to best exemplify the founding mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph� �to be a compassionate, healing and supportive presence to all persons, without distinction.�� A mission which continues today.
Christopher M. Dadlez, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital said that Saint Francis is the institution that it is today because of the legacy of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.� These Sisters shaped this culture clinically, administratively, and yes,
spiritually.� We are strong today because they gave us these sustaining strengths over many decades,� he said.
Judith Carey, R.S.M., Ph.D., Vice President for Mission Integration, said that the Sisters of Saint Joseph Award also looks to the future.� This award is a reminder to todays Saint Francis employees that they are stewards of this institution and have a role to play in passing the spirit of our founders to the next generation of caregivers who will staff the Hospital.�
Those honored are:
Sharon Belfiore, R.N., a Nurse in the Medical/Surgical Intensive Care Unit, whose nurse manager pointed out that her �calm, soft-spoken demeanor is an asset in our often chaotic environment.�
Carrie Eaton, R.N, a Labor and Delivery Nurse, termed �a willing worker who treats patients and staff with respect and compassion.�
Tobye Karl, Director of Volunteer Services, who was cited as someone who �cares straight from the heart.� She provides a fun, family atmosphere for the hundreds of volunteers that cross her path.�
Jean Kelleher, L.C.S.W., a Social Worker in the Neonatal Intensive Care and
Maternity Units.� In nominating her for the award, her supervisor praised Kelleher for ��her positive work ethic, her caring personality and her competence which combine to enable Jean to be the strongest advocate for patient care and staff support while remaining the voice of reason and sensibility.�
Mark Wolf, M.D., Section Chief for OB/GYN Ultrasonography, whose �professional persona exemplifies what medical care is all about, the patient.�
These five caregivers truly embody the caring and courageous spirit of Mother Ann Valencia and the small band of Sisters who traveled from Chambery, France, to Hartford 110 years ago to establish Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center,� said Sister Sally Hodgdon, C.S.J., Provincial Superior of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
Founded in 1897, Saint Francis is a major teaching hospital licensed for 617 acute inpatient beds and 65 bassinets and is the largest Catholic hospital in New England.
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