Catholic Healthcare West, which operates two hospitals in San Luis Obispo County, has changed its name and some of its facilities’ affiliations with the Catholic Church.
One of the largest health systems in the country, the not-for-profit organization will now operate under the name Dignity Health. According to a press release, the organization is “rooted in the Catholic tradition,” but is no longer an official ministry of the church.
The changes aren’t expected to impact patient care, but as part of the restructure, French Hospital in San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande Community Hospital are no longer officially Catholic, and will adhere to the organization’s secular “Statement of Common Values.” This is opposed to Marian Medical Center in Santa Maria—also a Dignity Health facility—which will remain Catholic, sponsored by its founding congregation.
Dignity Health currently operates 25 Catholic and 15 non-Catholic hospitals.
Calls to a Dignity Health spokesperson weren’t returned as of press time.
This article appears in Jan 26 – Feb 2, 2012.