Cherry director starts job with birthday
By Bonnie Edwards
Published in News on December 2, 2005 1:48 PM
Thursday was a big day for Jack St. Clair.
The new director at Cherry Hospital started his new job and celebrated his birthday on the same day.
St. Clair, the former director of Eastpointe Mental Health Services, turned 55
He met with about 40 department managers, giving each a chance to explain how their department operated and a chance to share their views on caring for hospital patients.
"I felt very comfortable with the group," he said Thursday.
St. Clair said he would continue touring the hospital grounds today. He also planned to ride in the annual Christmas parade.
St. Clair said he plans to meet next week with all 1,044 employees in meetins styled after a town meeting. Employees will be surveyed to find out what they are most proud of about Cherry and what they would like to see improve.
He said he believes the Cherry staff is looking for a good leader who will provide stability.
"I think the staff is relieved to have someone permanent appointed. They have provided a warm and receptive environment. They're a group of hardworking people. I sense the presence of teamwork."
St. Clair has been in the mental health business for more than 25 years . He said starting work at Cherry Hospital "feels like coming home."
St. Clair said he is interested in exploring ways to improve communication between the hospital and the Wayne County community. He said he believes that will help patients who leave the institution to make the transition to living in the community.
St. Clair said the staff's warm reception has made him feel comfortable at Cherry. Some employees had already stopped by his office to introduce themselves and wish him well.
"They're a good group of folks. That's good for a first day impression.," St. Clair said.