In light of recent events happening around the country, Tower Health President and CEO Clint Matthews sent a letter to Tower Health employees and medical staff this morning underscoring our organization’s commitment to the fair and equal treatment of all people, at all times, and in all situations. Read an excerpt of his letter below.
Dear Colleagues,
Over the past number of days, I have thought a lot about what has happened in our country. I am disheartened and angered over the senseless killing of George Floyd. It should bring us all to our knees as we pray for dignity, respect, and equal treatment of everyone at all times and in all situations.
At the knees of my parents I was taught to treat others as I want to be treated, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and that I was no better than anyone else… and no one better than me. And, I hold those values as my foundation as a person and as CEO of Tower Health.
Expressing our beliefs by raising our voices and advocating for change in times like these can be very powerful. In our country, the ability to protest peacefully is among our most sacred rights. I hope that peaceful protest will lead to a real opportunity for meaningful conversations around issues that too often divide us. Rather than division, these meaningful conversations should ultimately be a source of building strength.
I want to initiate these important conversations by bringing us back to the purpose of our health system:
The mission of Tower Health is to provide compassionate, accessible, high quality, cost effective healthcare to the community; to promote health; to educate healthcare professionals; and to participate in appropriate clinical research.
This mission guides us as we care for and as we care about our patients, the communities we serve, and each other.
As an organization, it is extremely important that we have a strong foundation with principles to guide us. One of those principles is an appreciation for our diversity. Like our country, Tower Health is made up of an incredibly diverse group of people. This diversity is truly one of our most valuable assets as an organization. An honest appreciation for this diversity will allow us to transcend cultural norms and expectations, while leaning on each other for strength.
We can all do better, and we should do better together. Sometimes peaceful cooperation, collaboration, and compassion have the power to do even more for people than an effective vaccine or new laws and policies. As a health system, we are in a unique position to be a model for these behaviors.
At Tower Health, we denounce racism. We strive to treat everyone with the same dignity, respect, and equality regardless of their diagnosis; regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, or background; and regardless of their ability to pay. None of these characteristics determine if a person is worthy of care. We are all human, and therefore, we all deserve the same high-quality, compassionate care on which Tower Health has built its foundation. This is equally true for how people should be treated outside of the healthcare setting.
I’d like to thank you all for your continued commitment to making a positive difference as we work together in Advancing Health. Transforming Lives.
Stay safe, stay well, stay strong. We will get through this together. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Clint Matthews
President and CEO
About Tower Health
Tower Health is a strong, regional, integrated healthcare provider/payer system that offers leading-edge, compassionate healthcare and wellness services to a population of 2.5 million people. With approximately 14,000 team members, Tower Health consists of Reading Hospital in West Reading; Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville; Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia; Jennersville Hospital in West Grove; Phoenixville Hospital in Phoenixville; Pottstown Hospital in Pottstown; and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, a partnership of Tower Health and Drexel University in Philadelphia. It also includes Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing; Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences in West Reading; home healthcare services provided by Tower Health at Home; and a network of 22 urgent care facilities across the Tower Health service area. Tower Health offers a connected network of 2,200 physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers across more than 230 convenient locations. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.