LITCHFIELD — Patricia L. Fischer has recently begun her work as president and CEO of St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield. She began her new role at St. Francis on Aug. 18. She succeeded Daniel Perryman, who in March was appointed president and CEO of St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur. Most recently, Fischer has been vice president, Physicians Services for Saint Anthony’s Health Center in Alton.
“I have been in health care my entire career and I believe it’s the perfect place to make a difference not only in the lives of individuals but also in the surrounding community,” said Fischer. “I am thrilled to join St. Francis Hospital and be a part of a thriving organization committed to high quality care and an exceptional patient experience. I am also excited to join another Franciscan organization committed to the values of respect, care, competence and joy.”
During her career, Fischer has successfully led teams involved in physician recruitment, practice management, professional services, strategic planning and business development. She joined Saint Anthony’s in 1991 and was responsible for various aspects of hospital operations, including medical staff development, ambulatory services and cardiovascular services.
Fischer began her career as a staff nurse at JFK Memorial Hospital in Atlantis, Fla. She has a nursing diploma from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in St. Louis, a bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Fla., and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis.
Tom Franzen, the chairman of St. Francis Hospital board of directors, said Fischer was a good choice for the job. “We’re excited to have Patti join the St. Francis team,” he said. “She is a dynamic leader who understands rural health care and will be a great fit for our hospital. I look forward to working closely with her as we continue to offer the residents of Litchfield and the surrounding region greater access to high quality health care.”
Franzen said the new president and CEO was selected from a nationwide search that initially drew 400 inquiries.
Throughout her career, Fischer has been actively involved in community organizations. In Alton her community service included roles with United Way, the Riverbend Growth Association and Alton Women’s Home Association. She enjoys hiking and gardening. She and her husband Greg have four children and one granddaughter.
St. Francis Hospital is a part of Hospital Sisters Health System, whose mission is to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through high quality Franciscan health ministry. Sponsored by the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, HSHS has 13 local systems and physician practices in Illinois and Wisconsin.