Sharing your culture with a new partner. Catholic system implements plan to integrate values when it acquires a for-profit hospital.

In 1994 Orange County, CA's St. Joseph Health System (SJHS), aiming to strengthen its position in the regional market, acquired Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center, a for-profit hospital believed to be the premier healthcare facility in the southern part of the county. SJHS's leaders began integrating the two cultures at the top, replacing Mission's board but keeping its top managers in place. A member of the Sisters of St. Joseph joined the managers as the hospital's new vice president of sponsorship. In a series of orientation meetings, the hospital's leaders explained SJHS's mission and values to the staff, announcing that Mission would add a pastoral care department, emphasize care of the medically underserved, and discontinue abortion and sterilization procedures. Some Mission staff were disappointed when the hospital terminated a project that offered assisted reproductive technologies. In addition, capitation and exclusive contracting has caused conflict among area physicians, which affects the hospital. And Mission needs to further educate physicians and staff about bioethical issues. On the other hand, Mission has launched a center to help strengthen area families, a transportation system for senior citizens, and a dental clinic for underserved children. It has also taken over sponsorship of a clinic for underserved families. And, in 1994, the hospital opposed Proposition 187, which called for denying state services to illegal immigrants. Many Mission staff have been heartened to learn that the hospital considers justice a core value.