As St. Lukes new Chief Executive Officer, Id like to express my sincere appreciation for a warm welcome during a chilly winter. As Ive made rounds throughout the hospital, I must say Im impressed with all Ive witnessed, particularly during the recent snow storm. What a great testament to the commitment of our staff to St. Lukes and particularly to our patients so many braved the storm to come to work, to stay at work and to come back to help when others couldnt make it!

Inclement weather is always a dilemma for hospitals. Delivering care 24/7 can cause challenges when winter weather means treacherous roads and a skeleton crew. We often worry we wont have the staff to prepare the food or the housekeepers to keep our hospital clean or clinical staff to care for our patients. But even after 30 years in the hospital business, Im always impressed to see the team pitch in and get things done. A special Thank You goes out to our staff for their selfless commitment to our patients during the December snow storm. Many left the comfort and safety of their homes to come in, pitch in and make be sure that those in our care received exceptional care.

Id like to express another interesting note about the storm that left many travelers stranded. I received a card from the Swires family with the following sentiment To All Those Who Helped and Welcomed Our Family: During the snow storm on December 18, 2009, the interstate was blocked with cars and trucks in trouble and the hotels were full and our last hope for somewhere warm and safe was St. Lukes Waiting Room. The Staff helped and welcomed us many offering their dinners to us and one offering to take us to her home. We were given blankets and food and drink. Thank you all very much. Blessings to All! Merry Christmas!

Its obvious the staff of St. Lukes Hospital provides exceptional care, even to those far from home. And Im pleased to be a part of this caring group and look forward to the coming year. As 2009 winds down, well continue to pull together in 2010 to move St. Lukes forward as the hospital of choice for our patients, our physicians and just as importantly, our staff.

Heres to a Happy and Healthy New Year!!

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Please drop by St. Lukes Hospital Sunday, January 24, to meet our new CEO Ken Shull and his wife, Heidi. The community is invited to join us between 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. in the hospitals main lobby. Light refreshments will be served.~ Caring for our Community written by Ken Shull