Longtime and new OSF HealthCare mission partners applaud a speaker during a welcoming program Feb. 1 at the newly renamed OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana. (The Catholic Post/Tom Dermody)

While transitioning two medical centers to new ownership was a complicated task that involved months of preparation across the business spectrum, the common Catholic health care traditions and missions of the facilities in Urbana and Danville also made it a time of grace.

“We have so much in common,” said Sister Judith Ann Duvall, OSF, chairperson of the board for OSF HealthCare, during separate welcoming ceremonies Feb. 1 at the newly renamed OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana and OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville.

Bob Sehring, CEO of OSF HealthCare, speaks during the welcoming ceremony at OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville. (The Catholic Post/Tom Dermody)

“We share a common Catholic heritage with a mission and vision to serve the sick and the poor and to do it with great love and great compassion,” she told gatherings of the leadership and staffs at each facility.

“Both of us are inspired by the healing ministry of Jesus to truly be an extension of the love and care for his people,” Sister Judith Ann continued. “Today I am honored to call you mission partners.”

The medical centers in Urbana and Danville “fit like a hand in a glove” with the mission of OSF HealthCare, said Bob Sehring, CEO.

“Joining OSF will ensure the continuation of more than a century-long commitment to Catholic health care in these communities,” said Sehring. “That was critically important to the sisters and to all of us.”

(Related story: Celebration Mass honors religious communities in medical centers’ rich histories)

“PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED”

Mission partners across the OSF HealthCare network came to Urbana and Danville by bus the evening before to work overnight on everything from computer programs to signage to ensure a smooth transition from the previous Presence Health ownership. The hours of work were captured in a tightly edited OSF HealthCare video entitled “While You Were Sleeping.”

Dr. Jared Rogers, who will continue to serve as president of the two medical centers, thanked all involved in the difficult task, saying “lots of prayers have been answered” and that “God is truly good.”

Sister Karen Carlson, SSCM, Dr. Jared Rogers, and Ahn To listen during the welcoming program Feb. 1 at OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana. (The Catholic Post/Tom Dermody)

“It’s Feb. 1. We’re here,” he said at both gatherings. “The patients are being taken care of. Epic (the computer system) is up and running. I have my name badge. And the lights are still on. So it’s a good day.”

While noting much remains to be done, Dr. Rogers said “we remain extremely optimistic and very excited about this journey we’ve been on and the journey we’re yet to go on.”

Sister Karen Carlson, a member of the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary who serves in the Community Resource Center at OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana, traced the history of that facility during the Urbana program.

“As we transition once again to new ownership, I know that the dedication, love, and respect we have always shown the individuals who come through our doors will continue because that’s who we are,” said Sister Karen.

The presidents of the community advisory boards of both facilities spoke of the various ways the medical centers impact their respective regions.

“Many of us have had emotional moments at the hospital,” said Ahn To at the Urbana ceremony.  “Both moments of great joy and deep sorrow — moments that make this hospital an integral part of our lives.”

In Danville, Jim Mulvaney assured donors that issues concerning past gifts to the hospital are being addressed.

“OSF HealthCare supports the practice in all communities it serves that any funds raised in support of their individual hospitals will benefit those hospitals,” he told the group. Mulvaney spoke of the 136-year history of Catholic health care in Danville.

“Welcome to Danville and Vermilion County,” he told OSF HealthCare representatives. “Today we celebrate with you as we begin our new relationship.”