From humble beginnings to becoming the largest Catholic hospital in New England, it’s been quite the journey for Saint Francis Hospital. Now celebrating its 125th anniversary, we sit down with hospital President Thomas Burke, BPharm, M.B.A., to reflect on more than a century of Caring for the Community.
Q: Can you tell us about the founding of Saint Francis Hospital 125 years ago?
A: We go back to 1897, when Hartford Bishop Michael Tierney called on the French religious order of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Chambéry to open and operate a new hospital in the city. At the time, there were concerns about Catholic immigrants in Hartford being able to receive health care that honored the Catholic faith. On August 25, 1897, the sisters arrived, led by Mother Ann Valencia. They were expecting to find a hospital, but instead found a three-story red brick building with only two finished rooms. Still, on August 27, just two days later, the sisters welcomed their first patient to Saint Francis. They moved quickly from there! Four years later, in 1901, the hospital opened a new four-story building, and in 1906 another new building was opened on Collins Street. After 10 years of service, Saint Francis had treated 10,000 patients. Now, 125 years later, Saint Francis is the largest Catholic hospital in New England. But that beginning always reminds us of our Mission-based work at its core: we jump in and do the work regardless of the resources available at the time.
Q: How does the history of Saint Francis resonate with the care provided today?
A: Our Mission is to serve together in the spirit of the Gospel as a compassionate and transforming healing presence within our communities. We continue to honor our Core Values: Reverence, Commitment to those who are poor, Safety, Justice, Stewardship, and Integrity. Regardless of the growth we’ve seen between the hospital that was founded in 1897 and the Saint Francis of today, that Mission and those Core Values remain top of mind. I believe it’s those values that call many of us to work at a Mission- based organization like Saint Francis. While the founding Sisters would certainly not recognize the footprint of the hospital as it stands today, they would still recognize the identity and driving force behind the way patients are treated within our walls. No matter the circumstance, every patient who comes through the doors of Saint Francis will receive top-of-the-line care, in a safe environment, at a reasonable cost.
Q: What do you envision for the future of Saint Francis?
A: We continue to see lots of expansion and growth, continuing that tradition as well! While we, along with every other health care organization, faced daunting challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are excited about the future. We continue to improve infrastructure, making internal improvements to optimize the experience for our patients and their families. Just this past year we updated our well-renowned maternity unit, opened the Maximilian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Foundation Pavilion for Cardiac Recovery, and are continuing to improve our physical footprint. That includes practical items, like parking! Currently, we are in the demolition phase of our Collins Street Parking Garage, with a new garage planned to be completed in 2023. Through it all, we are committed to bringing in talented, experienced, forward-thinking providers in order to give our patients the very best care, which includes offering new procedures and treatments. We are committed to providing the safest, most innovative, value-driven care that supports mind, body, and spirit. You feel that difference as soon as you walk through our doors, during your time here, and when you head home to your loved ones.
