Adventist Midwest Health has reached an important time in its history. With our mission of extending the healing ministry of Christ to guide us, our hospitals are creating a strategic plan to lead us into the future.

The Adventist Midwest Health hospitals have made some wonderful achievements and advancements. At Adventist GlenOaks Hospital, a new Emergency Department opened last year with a unique no-waiting room concept. The department is drawing praise from near and far—from patients, physicians and the community.

Adventist Hinsdale Hospital and Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital continue to offer the most advanced technology in interventional radiology, orthopedics and cardiac care. Our physicians are recognized as national leaders in their specialties, attracting patients from across the country.

Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital made history in January as the first hospital to open in Illinois in more than 25 years. Located in one of the fastest growing communities in the country, the hospital has become a cherished community resource. Many departments in the hospital—maternity, emergency and surgery—are seeing volumes much higher than projected.

Our ultimate goal is to transform lives by extending the healing ministry of Christ. But what does this really mean? When Jesus healed, He transformed the life of the patient. And that's what we will do. We are committed to creating a memorable patient experience. When we take good care of the patient, we honor God. Our patients feel God's compassion through our hands, giving them hope and healing.

Our strategic planning process involves physicians, staff, board members and community residents from all levels throughout the organization. We have identified medical specialties at each hospital where we will focus our efforts and resources so they will flourish. We will launch new marketing plans and establish lasting community partnerships. Quality initiatives and patient safety will be at the forefront.

We will leverage and build upon our physician partnerships to develop and offer new services to patients. We'll look at growth opportunities as well, keeping an eye on market share and demographic growth, as well as stewardship and financial stability.

While we focus on our patients' experience, the transformation we aim for doesn't end there. We want employees and physicians to become more engaged and transformed into a new way of thinking and interacting. In order to provide this level of quality healthcare, we must incorporate Christian values at every level of service. We must embrace our calling.

What won't change is our relentless pursuit of clinical excellence. Our values of Christian service, stewardship, integrity and inclusiveness will remain intact. Our culture of working together as a family will be stronger than ever.

Adventist Midwest Health's mission requires action. We will truly begin to change lives only when we reach out to extend Christ's ministry and act as His vessels of healing.

David L. Crane is the president and CEO of Adventist Midwest Health.