Mary Hand was honored for her service to St. Bernard Parish Hospital by colleagues, family and friends with a celebration. Photo Courtesy of Ochsner Healthcare
Contributed by St. Bernard Parish Hospital Service District
Recently, Mary Hand completed her term as chairwoman of the St. Bernard Parish Hospital Service District.
Hand has completed her term as chairwoman following seven years of service. In 2015, Hand joined the Hospital Service District as a board member and was appointed chairwoman in 2016, serving in this role until the end of 2021. St. Bernard Parish Hospital is owned by the Hospital Service District and managed by Ochsner Health.
“Under Mary’s leadership, St. Bernard Parish Hospital was able to increase services and improve the quality of patient care. None of this would have been possible without Mary’s involvement, and her work has truly made our hospital and community a better place. She has done all of this voluntarily while continuing to practice law,” said Kim Keene, chief executive officer, St. Bernard Parish Hospital.
Hand was instrumental in the hospital’s business development and growth, bringing quality healthcare to St. Bernard residents. In November 2017, the management agreement with Ochsner Health was established and finalized under Hand, resulting in an expansion of services offered at St. Bernard Parish Hospital. In addition, the tax burden was lifted from the St. Bernard taxpayers as Hand did not seek renewal of the ad valorem tax. During Hand’s tenure as chairwoman, the hospital has become financially stable and operationally efficient.
“Without Mary’s hard work, vision and leadership, St. Bernard Parish Hospital would not be where it is today. Her contributions are immeasurable through the good times and bad, helping to navigate difficulties with Hurricane Ida and Covid-19,” explained Keene. “It is not easy to see such a dynamic, thoughtful and energetic leader leave. I speak for the entire St. Bernard Parish Hospital family when I say we are so grateful for Mary’s dedication and service.”
In addition to serving as chairwoman of the Hospital Service District, Hand has practiced law for four decades earning the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent recognition nine times. This recognition is the highest peer rating given to an attorney ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal expertise, communication skills and ethical standards.
St. Bernard Parish hospital is the proud recipient of numerous awards, including an “A” Fall 2021 Hospital Safety Grade by The Leapfrog Group, 2021 Louisiana Medical Mutual Insurance Co. (LAMMICO) Patient Safety Award and Grant, and the CareChex award for top 10% in the state for Medical Excellence in General Surgery and Orthopedic Care.
During the celebration, Kim Keene, chief executive officer, St. Bernard Parish Hospital, expressed her gratitude and highlighted the milestones accomplished under Mary Hand’s tenure as chairwomen of the St. Bernard Parish Hospital District.
