Reading Hospital has formed a new Diversity & Inclusion Council comprised of more than 20 employees representing multiple functional areas at all levels of the organization. The purpose of this Council is to foster a culture that is welcoming and accepting of everyone's unique background, perspective, and experience at Reading Hospital.
Diversity encompasses a wide array of attributes including religion, ethnicity, age, race, gender, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, personality, and style, and Reading Hospital is committed to creating an environment where all people feel not only included but appreciated for their individuality.
"The work of this Council will significantly enrich the patient experience, the quality of care we deliver, our workforce, and the communities we serve" said William M. Jennings, President and Chief Executive Officer, Reading Hospital and Co-Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Council. "The creation and implementation of this Council aligns directly with Reading Hospital's core values, one of which is explicitly 'Inclusiveness,' and the Council will assist the entire organization in living out those values each day."
Reading Hospital opened the application process to all employees on June 1. Applicants were asked to describe why joining the Council was important to them and to provide their ideas for how the Council could achieve success. Nearly 50 applications were received from interested employees, and the selected Council members held their first meeting on August 21. The employees selected as inaugural members of the Council represent many different departments within Reading Hospital, including housekeeping, pediatrics, recruitment, security, and oncology - among others.
Desha Dickson, Associate Vice President, Community Wellness, Reading Hospital and Co-Chair of the Council said, "Here at Reading Hospital, we value diversity and inclusion so that everyone is empowered to share their unique differences and similarities with each other."
The Council members have been identified as passionate leaders who will act as catalysts for change. They are all employees in good standing with the organization who received support from their direct manager or supervisor during the application process.
Interviews are available upon request.
About Reading Hospital
Reading Hospital is the flagship, Magnet Recognized, acute care hospital of Tower Health. Located in West Reading, Pa., Reading Hospital is a 714-bed hospital that is home to many top-tier specialty care centers, including Reading HealthPlex, McGlinn Cancer Institute, Miller Regional Heart Center, Emergency Department, Level I Trauma Center and Beginnings Maternity Center, which houses the region's only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With more than 1,000 physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers across 49 locations, Reading Hospital has been recognized for its quality outcomes and clinical expertise across services lines. It is listed as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for four consecutive years and received a 5-Star Rating from CMS two years in a row. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.