Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1470104
2 | Health Matters: Providence St. Mary Medical Center A fter a winter marred by another surge in COVID-19 cases—one that again stretched Providence St. Mary Medical Center 's resources and further challenged our fatigued caregivers—the new year afforded us a plateau before cases dwindled to single digits by spring, effectively ending the surge and signaling better days ahead. And so we find ourselves, thankfully, at the door of renewal. On recent walks through our hospital, I've noticed positive changes. Stress levels are lower. Batteries are recharged. Caregivers are rejuvenated and hopeful for a return to normalcy. I, too, am hopeful for that return and pray it lasts. But I am also optimistic about the direction in which Providence St. Mary is headed. We are in the process of re-emphasizing our culture, as well as redefining our vision of health care, to better serve the High Desert community. New faces abound around the hospital. These health care providers are passionate and excited about the trail we are starting to blaze toward a better future, but the culture of compassionate care begins with all of us as we work to serve you better. Beyond that, we have bolstered our 10-member Executive Leadership Team by welcoming a new executive director of quality, senior communications manager, chief human resources officer and chief nursing officer in the five-month period that ended in April. This team is highly motivated to ensure that we live the Providence Promise of "Know me, care for me, ease my way" during every encounter with patients, visitors and one another. In many ways, we are refocusing our attention on the fundamentals of quality health care, which revolve around your experience during your stay with us. The stories you will find in this issue of Health Matters also focus on some of those fundamentals, including a feature that should help you better understand the intricacies of our emergency department. One of my favorite sayings is "Nothing changes if nothing changes." It's simple and true. At Providence St. Mary, we are heeding that advice as we press on in our journey. I, for one, look forward to the meaningful changes we make, because I am confident that they will allow us to better care for you and your loved ones. Thank you. Respectfully, Chief Executive Providence St. Mary Medical Center To Our Beloved Community