About Us

It has been a privilege and an honor to be at the helm of this agency, since its inspired inception in 2003. In the years since, I have watched our organization grow from 3 employees caring for a select few patients to over 80 staff members that, to date, have provided uncompromising, compassionate end-of-life care to more than 1000 patients and their families.

I believe there are many factors that contribute to our unprecedented growth. First and foremost our expansion shows a need in Northeastern Pennsylvania that previously went unnoticed. Patients were looking for a hospice agency dedicated to upholding their choices, whether they were to stay at home or in our many local, long-term care facilities, and that the care would provide the latest techniques in pain and symptom management. Families were looking for comfort that their loved-ones would be afforded the highest quality of life possible while on their final journey and the hope that support would be available to get them through of their “firsts”; the first holiday season, the first anniversary, the first Father’s/Mother’s Day after their loss.

Secondly, our development as an agency in such a short amount time can also be directly attributed to our team. They are an inspiration to me. The care provided by our clinical staff and the work done by our administrative personnel are a testament to our organizational chart, where the patient is first and foremost at the top. Everyone is committed to the concept of the hospice care, at its best, across the continuum. Our Board of Directors has been instrumental in guiding our agency through many decisions; we have been very fortunate that these members of our local community have such a vested interest in our organization. We have also been given the gift of a dedicated corps of volunteers. People, most of whom have no previous hospice experience, give of their time and talents all in the best interests of our patients and their families.

And finally, Community Education has also played a large part in our expansion. I have dedicated most of my career to educating healthcare professionals and the community-at-large on the philosophy of hospice. My fervent belief is that it is only through patients and families knowing their options and recognizing their important role in the decisions relating to end-of-life care that quality time be awarded and futile care avoided.

Our vision is to provide world class Hospice-Palliative care in Northeast Pennsylvania and to bring that standard of care to everyone who needs or could benefit from our service. The goal of Hospice of the Sacred Heart is to provide uncompromising end-of-life care to all who need it.

Diane Baldi, RN, CHPN
CEO