Thanksgiving Day 'Thank You' from Scripps Health CEO

Happy Thanksgiving text over fall leaves represents a moment to be thankful, a message for Scripps employees in the CEO blog.

I'd like to wish a happy Thanksgiving to everyone today, particularly those who serve and their family members -- health care, military and public safety -- and all who are on guard while the rest of celebrate the holiday. We are indeed grateful and thankful for you.


And I can't think of a better group that deserves my appreciation than the 15,000 employees who make Scripps Health a great health system.


I got the chance to do that this week in an article published by Becker's Hospital Review featuring thank-you notes from nine health system CEOs. Here is my note:


Dear Scripps family,

 

Thanksgiving is upon us — a traditional time to reflect on all that we are grateful for. Like most of us, I think of my family and friends. And I think of all of you, the Scripps family. We are some 15,000 strong. And I mean strong. We, like others, are going through a time of dramatic change in healthcare. I want to thank all of you for the strength,

dedication and courage you have shown in the face of this change.


Your focus on delivering great care to so many in the San Diego region builds on the more than century-long legacy of service we have at Scripps. It's you who will ensure we

will be here in the years to come for all our patients, as well as for our entire community, sustaining hundreds of thousands of people and playing a vital role in the economy as one of the region's largest employers.

 

Our founders, Mother Mary Michael Cummings and Ellen Browning Scripps, probably could not have known all those years ago how significant their legacy would be – how many lives would be touched because of what they started. They could not have known all the changes health care would undergo — all the wonderful scientific advances, as well as the increasing challenges of providing care to all who need it.

 

But their commitment to those they served is timeless, and they are my touchstone. I ask myself at the end of each day, "Would Miss Ellen and Mother Mary Michael be proud of Scripps today?" As I ask myself that question ahead of Thanksgiving, I know the answer is "yes." Because I see that same commitment to those we serve in all of you, every day. And I am thankful.

 

A joyous Thanksgiving to you all,

 

Chris