Philosophy of Care

At Strong Memorial Hospital our philosophy of care represents more than a viewpoint; it’s a commitment. Every member of our team has pledged to make the ICARE Commitment their personal responsibility, giving our patients and families care that is supported by the highest order of compassion, innovation, science, and technology. That ICARE Commitment starts with a partnership.

Why a Partnership?

When you come to the hospital you bring more than an illness or condition; you bring your hopes, individual needs, and personal experience. That’s why a caring relationship with patients and families is paramount to everything we do. We have the medical knowledge. You carry the experience and expertise of knowing your own body. Your family provides valuable emotional support and information that can help the medical team. We believe this collaboration will help us empower you to make sound, critical decisions that affect your health. Only by working together can we improve your well-being and provide the best possible treatment. In nurturing this team effort we practice:

Inclusion. We are welcoming, we are allies, and acknowledge that everyone has their own story.

Integrity. We conduct ourselves in a fair, trustworthy manner and uphold professional and ethical standards.

Compassion. We act with empathy, understanding and attentiveness toward all others.

Accountability. We take responsibility for my actions and join with my colleagues to deliver ‘Medicine of the Highest Order’.

Respect. We always treat patients, families and colleagues with dignity and sensitivity, valuing their diversity.

Excellence. We lead by example, rising above the ordinary through my personal efforts and those of my team.

Placing Patients and Families First

As you spend time with us you will see and hear a lot about “patient- and family-centered care” or PFCC. This term is an easy way to refer to our patient and family partnership, which is a key part of our vision. As such, we have a list of patient- and family-centered care guiding principles:

• We turn to patients to define ‘their family’ so we may initiate a partnership in care.
• We educate, support, and encourage patients and their families to be involved in all aspects of their care throughout the continuum.
• We are sensitive to the preferences, beliefs, and diversity of each patient and their family.
• We listen to and value patients and their families’ input every time, being attentive to their individual needs and wants.
• We communicate with our patients and their families in a clear, timely manner, and openly share all pertinent information.
• We always treat our patients and their families with compassion, dignity, and respect.

If you would like to learn more about patient- and family-centered care (PFCC), we have a dedicated web page on this nationwide health care movement. If you have any feedback for us regarding PFCC at Strong Memorial Hospital, please contact us at (585) 275-8794. We encourage and value your input.