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successful partnership with Ochsner Health System to enhance strategic innovation going forward.” In that vein, Joan is excited about the northshore’s growth and how STPH will support it. She notes: “We’re really examining our footprint to ensure we’re in the most advantageous locations to serve our community as it develops. We want to keep pace with the population just ahead of the curve, expanding to meet our patients’ growing needs. “Right now, we are underway in Phase II of our strategic growth plan that broke ground in November of last year. The phase includes the development of a four-story patient care expansion on the south end of our building. Ultimately, this will be the expansion project that completes our long-term goal of providing all private rooms for patient privacy.”
Joan M. Coffman, FACHE Joan Coffman’s career has come full circle. As St. Tammany Parish
In addition to the four-story addition, summer brings the opening of a post-acute services facility in the former heart hospital in Lacombe. “The east and west sides of the parish, partnered with
Hospital President and CEO, she shares: “I trained as a radiologic
Ochsner, have come together to make this happen. We are going to be
technologist at Ochsner Health System in New Orleans, and my very
transitioning our rehab unit and opening a long-term acute care facility
first position was here at St. Tammany Parish Hospital. I never imagined
and skilled nursing unit in that location. The beauty of the location is
that I would come back one day as President and CEO— it is honestly a
that it’s centrally located in the parish and easily accessible. This will
dream come true!”
allow our patients to get the right care in the highest quality post-acute
A Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Joan came to STPH after serving as President and CEO of HSHS St. Mary’s, a campus of Hospital Sisters Health System, which is a multi-facility
environment, which opens more beds in our current hospital structure. It’s a real win for the parish.” Joan is proud of the role STPH plays in the northshore economy.
healthcare system serving Illinois and Wisconsin.When asked about
“If you reflect on our role as a service district hospital and the many
her return to STPH, she says, “It has been fantastic being back—such a
services our medical staff offers locally, we are a part of the very fabric of
warm, hospitable welcome! We have extraordinary, high-performing
this community,” she smiles. “We are a significant economic driver, and
colleagues and a talented medical staff.”
people look to us to lead innovations in healthcare. That to me is a pretty
As she spent the first few months evaluating the organization, Joan
profound responsibility, and one we are proud to live out each day.
quickly learned of STPH’s local, regional and national excellence for quality,
“We have a dedicated culture of caring here at St. Tammany
safety and service. Recognitions and accreditations include a Leapfrog Grade
Parish Hospital, and our exceptional colleagues are really the ones who
A in Patient Safety for six consecutive periods; Healthgrades Outstanding
make a difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Patient Experience recognition every year since 2009; CareChex rank of top 100 hospitals nationally for Overall Hospital, Medical and Surgical Care;
Certified Stroke Center and Accredited Chest Pain Center; Women’s Choice Award for Outstanding Patient Experience for nine consecutive years; and Baby-Friendly Designation. “Foundationally, we are hardwired in terms of performance,” Joan adds. “I want to continue building on our solid foundation and 44
Inside Northside
St. Tammany Parish Hospital is located at 1202 S. Tyler St. in Covington. To learn more, visit stph.org.