CHRISTUS Spohn Health System

CHRISTUS Spohn by the Numbers

• 436,546 Annual Outpatient Visits
• 31,156 Annual Inpatient Visits
• 133,437 Annual Emergency Visits
• 16,649 Annual Surgeries
• 2,915 Annual Baby Deliveries

*FY2021

Spohn's History

On July 26, 1905, Spohn Hospital opened on North Beach in Corpus Christi, Texas. The Sisters of the Incarnate Word cared for their first patient, alongside Dr. Arthur E. Spohn. Dr. Spohn had the vision to build a hospital where he could provide healthcare for the 7,000 residents of Corpus Christi. The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio answered God's call and responded to Dr. Spohn by agreeing to operate the hospital. The sisters traveled the dusty trail to Corpus Christi to open Spohn Sanitarium. Together, the three sisters helped keep his vision alive by managing and serving in the new hospital.

Overcoming Trials

In the beginning, the Sisters did it all! They cared for the sick, injured, cooked, cleaned, and lived in the hospital. They selflessly cared for others including those suffering from a yellow fever outbreak and the devastating Hurricane of 1919. Their sister, Sister Thies, drowned trying to save a paralyzed man from the storm as Spohn Sanitarium was ripped to shreds by the violent hurricane.

The Sisters of the Incarnate Word prevailed through many hardships and grew their mission-to spread the healing ministry of Jesus Christ and to care for the poor and underserved. Today, through their hard work and determination, the Sisters of Charity have hospitals and community facilities in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Utah and Ireland, the homeland of many of the Sisters. Their health system has grown and prospered by entrusting the operation of their facilities to lay professionals who share the same vision.