Trustees at the crossroads: strengthening their future position

Boards of trustees of Catholic healthcare facilities must strengthen their position to meet the changing healthcare environment. Their influence on delivery decisions is often questionable, and their continued existence may be in jeopardy. Boards may not determine an institution's survival, but their responsiveness to environmental situations in the next five years will determine the viability of their leadership. A major focus for healthcare leaders and religious sponsors is strengthening boards to provide more continuity in leadership. Five recommendations can assist boards in maintaining institutional identity and continuity: Focus on future strategies and a broader perspective while handling immediate concerns; Address Catholic identity in all institutional issues, not as a separate agenda item; Plan time to discuss institutional identity; Address the maintenance of Catholic identity as a shared responsibility of all board members; Ensure that the organization's history is well told. Boards can also identify and teach potential new trustees and work more closely with constituents. A board retreat is an important first step to develop the necessary relationships, collaborative spirit, and self-concept to achieve these goals.