Trading places. Two hospitals adjust to a sponsorship swap

On December 31, 1993, the Carondelet Health System transferred sponsorship of St. Joseph Hospital, Kirkwood, MO, to SSM Health Care System in exchange for SSMHCS's St. Mary's Hospital in Blue Springs, MO. Even though both systems and hospitals involved in the deal were Catholic, the hospitals' staffs had to adjust to cultural changes. After the letter of intent was signed at St. Joseph, the lines of communication were kept open throughout the transition. Assurances and explanations of the benefit program alleviated major tension and removed fears. Information on benefits became the essence of an employee newsletter that the hospital put out every few weeks. St. Mary's Hospital chief executive officer also placed a high value on communications. At St. Mary's, in answering employees' questions, administrators found uncertainty gave way to relief when they learned the hospital would remain Catholic and not-for-profit. Still, employees experienced a period of anxiety. Employees at both hospitals were more concerned about losing their jobs than they were about the transfer of sponsorship. Despite this uncertainty, employees at both hospitals feel the recent trade to another system has strengthened their position.