Effective July 1, Franciscan Physicians Hospital, 701 Superior Ave., changed its name to Franciscan Healthcare - Munster "to better reflect the hospital as an evolving, full-service, health care center," according to Barb Greene, hospital president.
"The new name is more reflective of the high-quality, broader-scope, medical center it represents today and will into the future, while serving Munster and the surrounding communities," she said.
The change also was made in light of the hospital’s changeover from a previously, for-profit partnership between Franciscan Alliance and a number of physician shareholders, to a nonprofit.
"Over time, an agreement was made with the physician partners to sell their shares of the hospital to Franciscan Alliance," Greene said. "As a result of that process, the hospital is now fully owned by Franciscan Alliance and its status has changed to a nonprofit."
"The new name fully supports our unique system brand, Franciscan, as our anchor and foundation. The term, Healthcare, represents the comprehensive array of medical services we offer and plan for the future,” Greene said.
"Adding the town to the name identifies our geographical location to the patients and communities we are privileged to serve."
The growth will continue, according to Greene.
"A major master facility plan to enlarge the Franciscan Healthcare - Munster campus also is on the horizon. It includes the addition of an emergency department, bed tower, chapel and other expanded services," Greene said.