Covenant Health Board Blessed for Service
February 9, 2009
EDMONTON, Alberta Monday, February 9—The Board of Directors and President and CEO of Covenant Health publicly declared their commitment to their new roles as leaders of Canada’s largest Catholic health care provider in a mass and missioning celebration presided Archbishop Richard Smith at St. Joseph’s Basilica in Edmonton on Monday, February 9. The historic event was witnessed by over 400 leaders, caregivers and supporters from Alberta and across the country, including Premier Ed Stelmach. The missioning included a commitment to serve Albertans according to Catholic values and a blessing.
This was the first public event for the new provincial organization that brings together 16 Catholic facilities in 11 communities and a refreshed vision for Catholic health care. Leaders from the communities and sites now served by Covenant Health also participated—from Edmonton, St. Albert, Banff, Lethbridge, Bonnyville, Camrose, Castor, Killam, Mundare, Vegreville and Trochu.
“This day marks a major milestone,” explained Covenant Health Board Chair John Brennan. He stressed that the board and leadership team will build on a refreshed vision for Catholic health care in the province to serve people of all faiths, traditions and circumstances. “As a group of urban and rural facilities offering services across the continuum of care, we will build on our individual strengths and share resources to grow and thrive.”
Patrick Dumelie, the President and CEO of Covenant Health, applauded the continued commitment of his Covenant Health team of almost 13,000 staff, physicians and volunteers.” He also celebrated their partners across Alberta. “We can not do this work alone,” he said. “We depend on the wisdom, encouragement, prayers and support of our community. We look forward to continuing this work with Alberta Health and Wellness and Alberta Health Services, drawing on our values of collaboration, social justice and integrity to be valued partners and to positively influence the health of all Albertans—especially the most vulnerable and at risk.”
“I’m happy to be here to celebrate this big leap forward for health care in Alberta’s communities,” said Premier Stelmach in formal remarks at the event. “Covenant Health is a compassionate, innovative and resourceful partner…I look forward to working with you.”
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With corporate offices based in Edmonton, Alberta, Covenant Health builds on a 146-year tradition of compassionate care in Alberta. Covenant Health’s team of 12,500 staff, physicians and volunteers serve Albertans with a range of acute care, continuing care, assisted living, rehabilitation and palliative care in 16 facilities in 11 communities across the province.
A backgrounder on Covenant Health is available on request, or visit www.CovenantHealth.ca
For media inquiries, please contact:
Fran Ross
Communications, Covenant Health
Tel: 780-735-7888
