Today, however, we recognize that legacy alone is not enough. 

Recent concerns regarding quality, safety and operational performance have raised important and legitimate questions. Transparency requires us to acknowledge a simple truth: we have work to do. The challenges that have been identified are serious, and we take them seriously. Even as we acknowledge these challenges, we also recognize the extraordinary physicians, nurses, colleagues and support teams who come to work every day with skill, compassion and an unwavering commitment to our patients. We owe our patients, colleagues and community honesty about where we are today and accountability for where we need to go next. Restoring trust begins with acknowledging the concerns that have been raised, accepting responsibility and demonstrating meaningful improvement through action.

This is a new day for Saint Francis. We are not asking anyone to overlook the challenges of the past. We are saying clearly that a new direction is underway, guided by accountability, transparency and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

That work is already underway.

Under the leadership of experienced physicians who know Connecticut and understand the health care needs of this region, Saint Francis is taking decisive steps to strengthen performance and restore trust. This physician-led approach is driving greater accountability, stronger operational discipline and an unwavering commitment to safe, high-quality patient care.

In recent months, we have strengthened key leadership positions, enhanced governance and oversight, improved staffing and safety processes, invested in the patient care environment and increased our focus on the patient experience. We have also partnered with nationally recognized health care consulting firm Chartis to support long-term performance improvement, quality initiatives and operational transformation. Together, these efforts are part of a comprehensive plan to create sustainable improvements for patients, families and colleagues.

We are also committed to working collaboratively and transparently with the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) under the recently signed Consent Order. The Consent Order establishes a clear framework for ongoing oversight, accountability and improvement, and we welcome the opportunity to work alongside DPH and Chartis to fulfill our regulatory obligations, strengthen performance and ensure sustainable progress. We view this process not simply as a requirement, but as an important opportunity to accelerate meaningful change and reinforce the trust our community places in us. 

While we focus on strengthening our operations and performance, we remain grounded in what has always defined Saint Francis: caring for the whole person. One patient, Lauren, experienced that commitment firsthand. After struggling for an extended period to access the care she needed close to home, she turned to Saint Francis, where she was connected with the right specialists and quickly scheduled for surgery. While grateful for the clinical expertise she received, what left the greatest impression was the compassion and spiritual support that surrounded her throughout her stay. Hearing nightly prayers offered for patients, caregivers and healing efforts comforted Lauren, reminding her that she was being cared for as a whole person by a Mission-based organization. Her experience reflects our commitment to providing not only exceptional medical care, but also comfort, dignity and hope for every patient, regardless of faith tradition.

Trust is rebuilt through consistent results, not promises. But we are confident that Saint Francis has the people, the leadership and the determination necessary to move forward.

Our commitment is simple: safer care, stronger performance and a renewed focus on the patients and communities who depend on us.

Saint Francis has served Connecticut for generations. Guided by our Catholic Mission, supported by dedicated physicians and colleagues, and strengthened by accountability and transparency, we will restore Saint Francis and reaffirm its place among Connecticut’s leading and most trusted health care institutions.

With gratitude,