We Believe

We believe that all of our members should receive appropriate, quality, cost-effective health care. We are committed to maintaining the Saint Mary's tradition for quality, excellence and the highest standards of medical care delivered.

•  Mission, Values and Ethics
•  Saint Mary's Mission
•  Saint Mary's Values
•  Ethics Statement for Saint Mary's Health Plans
•  Our Philosophy

Mission, Values and Ethics

Saint Mary's Health Plans adheres to the Mission and Values of Saint Mary's in our interactions with members, physicians, healthcare providers, vendors and each other.

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Saint Mary's Mission
Saint Mary's healthcare family brings together more than 2,300 employees, 850 physicians and 300 volunteers all committed to the vision and mission begun by the Dominican Sisters nearly a century ago. In carrying out this vision and mission, Saint Mary's established our four core values of dignity, integrity, stewardship and justice. By following these values, Saint Mary's is able to bring mission to reality everyday.

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Saint Mary's Values

Catholic Healthcare West is committed to providing high-quality, affordable health care to the communities we serve. Above all else we value:

• Dignity - Respecting the inherent value and worth of each person.
• Collaboration - Working together with people who support common values and vision to achieve shared goals.
• Justice - Advocating for social change and acting in ways that promote respect for all persons and demonstrate compassion for our sisters and brothers who are powerless.
• Stewardship - Cultivating the resources entrusted to us to promote healing and wholeness.
• Excellence - Exceeding expectations through teamwork and innovation.

• Are committed to maintaining the sanctity of the patient-physician relationship.
• Believe that all of our members should receive appropriate, quality, cost-effective health care.



• Believe that our members are entitled to full information regarding their health plan, and are entitled to participate in the decision-making process with respect to their health care.



• Will promote and market our health care products at prices that are appropriate for the services provided and the population served.



• Are committed to maintaining the Saint Mary's tradition for quality and excellence.



• Will maintain the highest standards of medical care by working closely with our contracted providers.

1. We believe each person is unique, created by God in His own image.



2. We believe in the sanctity of life from conception through death and that each stage of life commands dignity and respect.



3. We believe in and witness to the Gospel values proclaimed by Jesus in his own life; compassion, charity, gentleness, justice, healing and reconciliation. We aim to promote these values among all who serve and are served in our institutions.



4. We believe that health, illness and death are an integral part of human life and an opportunity to cooperate in the mystery of the Life, Death and Resurrection of Christ.



5. We believe in equality of service to all people. We are particularly aware of those who are unable to obtain health care in an institution of their choice.We aim to provide quality care for these individuals to the best of our ability, within the limits of our resources.



6. We believe in and endorse policies and procedures in accordance with Catholic standards of medical ethics. (Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Facilities).



7. We believe in providing educational programs for all employees to reinforce, review and update stated hospital philosophy and current medical moral ethical standards.



8. We believe in and encourage pastors and lay ministers of all denominations to participate in the healing mission of Christ for the benefit of those whom they serve.



9. We believe our Catholic hospitals are a vital part of the communities in which we serve. We strive to be aware of the needs of the communities we serve and aim to respond to these needs insofar as we are able.



10. We believe that every employee and volunteer should know and support this philosophy as approved by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael.