Lourdes President/CEO Accepts Position in Alabama
Thursday, January 29, 2009
John D. O'Neil,
President/CEO of Lourdes Hospital has announced that he will be
leaving Lourdes to accept the position of President/Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) of St. Vincent's Health System, a four hospital
Ascension Health ministry in Birmingham, AL.
In his 10 year tenure at Lourdes, Mr.
O'Neil has helped the hospital meet the challenges facing
healthcare delivery in our community. With its focus on primary
care, Lourdes has successfully expanded its services to the
underserved in the area. Under his direction and guidance Lourdes
achieved the NYS Stroke Center Designation, Magnet designation,
received state and national recognition for quality initiatives and
participated in numerous pilot projects through Ascension Health.
He added state-of-the-art cancer treatment technology and expanded
cancer services to the community, which included the opening of the
Breast Care Center and the addition of the Digital Mobile
Mammography van. Mr. O'Neil built the dePaul Pavilion and expanded
Women's and Children's Services. He also guided Lourdes through the
flood of 2006 that caused $22 million in losses to the hospital and
the rebuilding efforts that followed.
"I felt that John was the right man for
the job when the board chose him in 1999. I think his record speaks
for itself." stated Lourdes Board chair, Sister Mary Anne Brawley,
D.C., "Ascension Health has recognized his talent and it is not
surprising that his leadership has been sought for this expanded
responsibility in the organization."
David Patak, Senior Vice President of Operations will take over
as Interim President/CEO beginning in March. Mr. Patak holds a
Masters Degree in Healthcare Administration and is certified in
Healthcare Administration by the American College of Healthcare
Executives. He has 35 years of healthcare experience, 17 of these
at Lourdes. For the past 5 years he has held his present COO
position.
