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HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | September 12, 2022 15 The original three-story brick building that housed Saint Francis Hospital when the Sisters of Saint Joseph arrived in Hartford. This building was located on the corner of Collins and Woodland Streets, where the Karl J. Krapek, Sr. Comprehensive Women's Health Center is now located. [Left] The "Babies Ward" in the early 1920's, housed in the Maternity Building on Ashley Street. There were 944 births at Saint Francis in 1921. Saint Francis, which now averages over 2,000 births per year, recently unveiled a fully renovated maternity unit, providing a modernized space for newborns and their families. [Right] Saint Francis Hospital's Building 2, on the corner of Woodland and Collins Street, located where the original brick building from 1897 once stood. Q: How does the history of Saint Francis resonate with the care provided today? A: Our Mission is to serve together in the spirit of the Gospel as a compassionate and transforming healing presence within our communities. We continue to honor our Core Values: Reverence, Commitment to those who are poor, Safety, Justice, Stewardship, and Integrity. Regardless of the growth we've seen between the hospital that was founded in 1897 and the Saint Francis of today, that Mission and those Core Values remain top of mind. I believe it's those values that call many of us to work at a Mission- based organization like Saint Francis. While the founding Sisters would certainly not recognize the footprint of the hospital as it stands today, they would still recognize the identity and driving force behind the way patients are treated within our walls. No matter the circumstance, every patient who comes through the doors of Saint Francis will receive top-of-the-line care, in a safe environment, at a reasonable cost. Q: What do you envision for the future of Saint Francis? A: We continue to see lots of expansion and growth, continuing that tradition as well! While we, along with every other health care organization, faced daunting challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are excited about the future. We continue to improve infrastructure, making internal improvements to optimize the experience for our patients and their families. Just this past year we updated our well-renowned maternity unit, opened the Maximilian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Foundation Pavilion for Cardiac Recovery, and are continuing to improve our physical footprint. That includes practical items, like parking! Currently, we are in the demolition phase of our Collins Street Parking Garage, with a new garage planned to be completed in 2023. Through it all, we are committed to bringing in talented, experienced, forward-thinking providers in order to give our patients the very best care, which includes offering new procedures and treatments. We are committed to providing the safest, most innovative, value-driven care that supports mind, body, and spirit. You feel that difference as soon as you walk through our doors, during your time here, and when you head home to your loved ones.