This book is a tribute to a history of which we can be very proud. A history that officially began on January 6, 2000, in a small ceremony held by members of the Boards and senior leadership of Elizabeth General Medical Center and St. Elizabeth Hospital. Held in historic Boxwood Hall on East Jersey Street, that ceremony culminated a years-long effort spearheaded by David Fletcher, CEO of Elizabeth General, and Sister Elizabeth Ann Maloney, CEO of St. Elizabeth’s. For the good of the community, the two institutions put aside a century of tradition and healthy competition, and joined forces in a merger that has truly withstood the test of time, just as the partnership between Trinitas’ sponsors, the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth and Elizabethtown Healthcare Foundation. It was ground-breaking in many ways, and was one of the earliest such moves to take place among hospitals in New Jersey.
Part of the Trinitas Mission statement falls under the heading “Courage” and urges us to “dare to take the risks our mission demands of us.” Courage was certainly in evidence in those years leading up to the merger, and it has made a strong mark on the 20 years since.
On a good day, healthcare is one of the more challenging professions. Yet even through the endurance test that defined this past year, we have carried out our organization’s mission with stamina, grace and yes, courage. Little did we know that all the achievements and progress we have made since merging our two Elizabeth hospitals in 2000 would help lay the groundwork for our ability to withstand a global pandemic 20 years later.
It is with great pride that we present to you this snapshot of our 20 years of caring.