Embracing change with resilience and optimism

By Scott Peek, Intermountain Health Peaks Front Range Market President

I’m taking this opportunity to write you one last time as the president of Saint Joseph Hospital. As we welcome our new president, Amy Blasing, and I focus solely on my role as president of the Front Range Market, we mark a unique chapter in this hospital’s history, navigating the transitions stemming from the changes in the Kaiser partnership.

I know these shifts have not been easy, and I want to acknowledge the challenges and emotions many of you are experiencing. Your dedication during this time has been nothing short of remarkable, and I am deeply grateful to each of you.

While this transition was neither our decision nor a situation we hoped for, I want to reiterate that moments like these define who we are. Adversity has the power to forge resilience and character, and I am confident in our ability, Amy’s ability, and every member of our leadership team to help us emerge stronger together.

To our Kaiser colleagues, we appreciate and are grateful for the clinical successes we achieved together. Your contributions will always be valued, and we hope our paths may cross again in the future.

I want to address certain rumors circulating about the viability of our hospital. Let me be clear: Saint Joseph Hospital and Intermountain Health are here to stay. Our mission and commitment to this community remain unwavering. For 152 years, the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth and their legacy have guided this hospital through countless challenges, and we will continue to stay strong.

We’ll stay strong in part because of Intermountain Health's unwavering commitment to this market. It is a testament to our stability and our shared mission. As our CEO, Rob Allen, aptly reminds us, Intermountain is a “forever organization.” This strength enables us to weather unexpected challenges, such as Kaiser’s decision, with resilience and determination. Yes, transitions like these are challenging, and they provide us with an opportunity to reaffirm who we are and what we stand for.

I understand that emotions are high, and it's OK to feel uncertain or frustrated. I respect your personal journeys during this time. Reflecting on the spirit of Saint Joe's, I am hopeful. The Sisters' spirit has guided us through many challenges and will continue to do so. As Chuck Swindoll, a pastor I know, once said, “We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” This moment is no exception.

Let’s take this opportunity to envision an outstanding future. Together, we will not only preserve but also enhance the legacy of Saint Joseph Hospital. With your dedication and compassion, we will continue to serve as a beacon of hope for the community we cherish.

The good that lies ahead is ours to create — and I am honored to embark on this journey with you in my refocused role as Front Range Market president in partnership with Amy and Saint Joe’s incredible leadership team. Amy is well positioned to lead Saint Joseph Hospital through the next chapter of our very bright future.

The transitions we are all facing provide us with clarity and an opportunity to redefine our path forward. Together, we will build on our strengths and continue to be a vital pillar of care and compassion in this community.

Thank you for your commitment and support and please know my door always remains open for you.

Gratefully,

Scott