Organizational renewal in the healthcare ministry

The Irish Province of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, which sponsors healthcare services for the mentally ill, the mentally handicapped, and the elderly, initiated a renewal process in 1984 to reevaluate its mission. The process, which was launched with a three-day conference, was divided into four parts: reflection on the order's values, reflection on the brothers' mission work, reflection on the work of the local centers, and reflection on the organization's services in relation to the healthcare environment. Data gathered during the organization's reflection included: Perceptions that the order needed to clarify its goals; Suggestions that the brothers adopt a simpler life-style; Concerns about communication and staff development in the local centers; Recommendations that the organization become more innovative and that it collaborate more frequently with other organizations. An important feature of the ongoing renewal is its focus on the present, involving those who make up the organization in a continuing reeducation process that prepared them to make informed decisions in the future. The process not only has contributed to an increased awareness of the order's roots, its values, and the client as a person, but also has developed a sense of partnership between the brothers and lay staff and brought new energy, hope, and confidence to the organization.