The following statement was released Dec. 11 by the Archdiocese of Boston: The Chancellor for the Archdiocese of Boston, James McDonough, held a series of meetings with the Board of Governors of Caritas Christi and trustee members from each of its six hospitals to brief them on the current status of the strategic review.

Announced in late August, Caritas Christi Health Care, in consultation with the Archdiocese of Boston and its representatives, is engaged in a review of Caritas' position in the New England health care market.

In addition to updating the Governors and trustees on the status of the strategic analysis, Mr. McDonough also sought their input as the Archdiocese continues to work with Navigant Consulting.

Mr. McDonough said, “We met with the Governors and trustees in order to provide an update on the strategic analysis currently underway regarding Caritas Christi Health Care. Our goals in conducting this review are: to ensure that we are providing the best possible health care to the patients we serve; to support the many Caritas employees who serve patients with extraordinary care and commitment; to maintain fidelity to the religious and moral tradition of Catholic health care in the Archdiocese of Boston; and to provide for a continued strengthening of Caritas’ financial condition, which is necessary to compete effectively in a highly competitive health care market.”

He added, “While there are four main options under consideration, we are actively exploring two at this juncture; to maintain sole ownership while continuing to grow Caritas Christi or to affiliate with a national Catholic health care system. It is our intent to conclude this process with a formal decision by late January/early February 2007.”