Hospital as Mission

We think of our hospitals as hospitals but if they are faith-based they are actually a mission, meaning that we are sent here for a special purpose. I practiced in an Ascension Health hospital. Ascension describes its mission this way: “Rooted in the loving ministry of Jesus as healer, we commit ourselves to serving all persons with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. Our Catholic health ministry is dedicated to spiritually centered, holistic care, which sustains and improves the health of individuals and communities. We are advocates for a compassionate and just society through our actions and our words.” Other hospitals and systems use different descriptions but have a similar focus.