In 1902, a group of Austin citizens asked the Daughters of Charity to build a hospital to serve the local community. Since then, Seton has lived a long and rich history in Central Texas, filled with many firsts:
- The first regional neonatal center in Central Texas for critically ill newborns;
- The first hospital in Central Texas to perform heart transplants;
- One of the first two hospitals in Central Texas to receive the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers; and
- The only dedicated freestanding pediatric facility in the region.
Seton embarked on a new path 20 years ago, when the Daughters of Charity united with the Sisters of St. Joseph health system to form Ascension Health. That tie initiated the largest non-profit health system in the country. The Seton and Ascension relationship has transcended healthcare in our community and across the nation.
In 2017, Seton and Ascension announced plans for the next chapter of our journey to bring Seton and Ascension together under a unified brand. Over the past two years, we have been thoughtfully planning for the transition and execution of this unified branding initiative.
Our highest priority has always been to provide compassionate, personalized care to all those we serve, especially the poor and vulnerable. We strongly believe this unified Ascension brand strategy allows us to sustain our ministry and amplify our mission. Ascension has empowered our local system to lead with positive change while remaining true to our shared mission. Take Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas, for example. This teaching hospital has redefined the future of healthcare in Central Texas. Nowhere else in the country are a nonprofit healthcare system (with a Level 1 trauma center), a tier one research university, and a county health district joining forces to reimagine the way healthcare is delivered. Without the resources of Ascension, the reality of Dell Seton Medical Center would have been uncertain.
On April 1, 2019, we took the next major step forward on our unified brand strategy as we legally changed our name from Seton Healthcare Family to Ascension Seton. This name change also means new, unified logos for Ascension Texas. While the legal name change does not include Dell Children’s Medical Center or Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas, Dell Children’s Medical Center has a new logo that is modernized and better aligns with the Ascension consumer brand strategy. Work is underway to update the signage of all Ascension Seton locations with some campuses complete in May, followed by the remaining sites of care.
We are excited to be at this point in our journey as we have heard from physicians, patients and caregivers across the system that we need to better connect the care we provide. By creating more consistent names for our facilities throughout Central Texas, we are making it clearer and easier for patients to access the care they need and navigate their health. Our physicians, caregivers and associates now have more opportunities for collaboration across our state and national network, and in turn they will be able to provide better care for our patients.
We recognize the deep ties the Austin community feels for Seton, which is why it was so important to us that the Seton name be honored and incorporated into the Ascension brand. Please know that while we collaborate nationally, we serve locally. Seton Foundations will continue to raise funds and awareness necessary to operate and advance the Seton Healthcare Family hospitals through Dell Children’s Medical Center Foundation, Seton Hays Foundation, Seton Williamson Foundation and The Seton Fund, including Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas. Donors in our community are the lifeblood of our healing ministry. The life-changing gifts Central Texans have provided in support of Seton Foundations, will continue to support the people and families of our community. All funds raised in Texas will stay in Texas, allowing us to provide the best possible care to everyone who needs it, especially the poor and vulnerable. Your continued support is invaluable as we transform medical care in Central Texas.
Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Miguel Romano
President
Seton Foundations