<![CDATA[OSF HealthCare Newsroom]]> https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/ en-us Fri, 11 Sep 2026 01:08:02 +0200 Wed, 17 Apr 2024 15:24:10 +0200 <![CDATA[OSF HealthCare Newsroom]]> https://content.presspage.com/clients/150_1873.png https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/ 144 Working to overcome obstacles facing the Hispanic population https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/working-to-overcome-obstacles-facing-the-hispanic-population/ https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/working-to-overcome-obstacles-facing-the-hispanic-population/627553Key Takeaways: 

  • The Hispanic population face many disadvantages from a health equity standpoint including insurance coverage, language and immigration status. 
  • Among common health issues facing Hispanics are diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which can lead to stroke, cancer and heart disease. 
  • Experts say problems arise due to a combination of diet, lifestyle and genetics. 
  • Research shows many Hispanic patients say they feel more comfortable with Hispanic physicians and nurse practitioners. 
  • More Hispanic providers are needed in health care. 
]]>The Hispanic population faces many challenges when it comes to health care – access, insurance coverage and language barriers - at a time when they need care the most.   

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Graciela Botello needed a new doctor. Her long-time physician was retiring soon, and the 77-year-old Mendota, Illinois, resident was looking for someone who could not only address her pulmonary fibrosis and other health issues, but who could speak her language – Spanish.

She found that in Maritza Estrada-O’Brien, MD, who is not only Hispanic, but quite familiar with the struggles many of her Hispanic patients experience when it comes to their well-being.

Botello previously knew Dr. Estrada-O’Brien, which made the transition easier.

“For me to know her and knowing that she's Spanish is good because my English is just okay,” Botello says. “Sometimes there are words that I can’t pronounce, or I don't understand. So, when I ask her something in Spanish, she helps me a lot. And this is good for all the Spanish people in Mendota. They feel comfortable.”

Dr. Estrada-O’Brien works at OSF HealthCare Saint Paul Medical Center in Mendota, a small town in northern Illinois, where 26% of its 7,000 residents are Hispanic. The hospital has five Hispanic physicians and nurse practitioners, some of whom were born and raised in Mendota.

“We're fortunate enough that we have a lot of Spanish speaking providers, and I do think that providers who practice in a community should reflect the population in this area – we do have a higher percentage of Spanish speaking patients,” she says. “I think that has us better equipped to take care of the population. Language barriers as simple as making a phone call to make an appointment can be challenging. Getting your results by being more understanding of your medical conditions is much harder if you don't understand the primary language that your provider speaks. So just being able to speak even a little bit of Spanish is better for patients because they have a better understanding of their medical conditions before they become a problem.”

But a language barrier is just the tip of the iceberg. Dr. Estrada-O’Brien is well versed in the challenges facing those of Hispanic heritage. In fact, she researched many of the issues during her residency program and has been involved in many projects regarding disparities among Hispanics since becoming a physician.

“The state of health among the Latino population depends on location, specifically in rural Illinois,” she says. “Latinos or the Hispanic population are at a disadvantage from a health equity standpoint, from a health status standpoint, more so because of access and disparities in health care. It puts Latinos at higher risk for a lower health status. It's mostly because of social determinants of health – access, quality of health care, insurance coverage, language, immigration status, all of which present obstacles with attaining health care.”

Among common health issues for the Hispanic population are diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease, cancer and stroke. For example, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Hispanics are 50% more likely to die from diabetes or liver disease than non-Hispanic whites. And the number of Hispanics who have died from Alzheimer’s disease has risen in the past decade. Genetics, diet, obesity and Type 2 diabetes are thought to be significant risk factors for the spike in Alzheimer’s cases.

Experts say problems arise due to a combination of factors including diet, lifestyle and genetics. And if these problems aren’t addressed early, they can cause severe complications down the road. That’s why early detection and screenings, such as cancer and bone density, are so important.

But that can be difficult, especially if a patient won’t seek care in the first place. In general, men are less likely to visit a doctor than women, but it’s a far more complex issue with Hispanic men, according to Joy Preciado, a nurse practitioner with OSF HealthCare. 

“Many of the men are the head of household and they don't want to take time off work to come in and be seen,” says Preciado, who was born and raised in Mendota. “A lot of them say they feel well, so they don't want to come in. Unfortunately, down the line that can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, things that can be prevented. But if they did a once-a-year checkup they could catch things before they get worse.”

Graciela Botello knows this all too well. She’s personally had family members who didn’t seek proper treatment for cancer and eventually died. Now she tries to educate friends and family about the importance of seeking medical care and practicing self-care.

“When men turn 40, they should go to the doctor to have their prostate checked and women should check their breasts at 30, because you can have cancer and sometimes it can be bad,” she says. “And if you don't check yourself out, you can die from it.” 

Leonardo Lopez, MD, is the medical director for OSF HealthCare Saint Paul Medical Center. He says organizations like OSF HealthCare can lead the charge in not only ensuring quality care for Hispanics but educating them about career opportunities in the medical field where Hispanic representation is lacking.

“We need to encourage communities that have those populations who may be underserved,” Dr. Lopez says. “We should encourage them to go to school, get educated and become physicians or providers or nurses. To go into health care will help that need that we have and provide that care and trust that the community needs within their health care systems.”

People like Dr. Estrada-O’Brien, who is also a Mendota native. For her, practicing medicine in her hometown means more than just treating patients. It’s serving as an example for others who also aspire to make a difference – especially among the Hispanic population.

“I'm fortunate that people from Mendota want to stay in Mendota and help the community,” she says. “I hope that I can be some type of role model, someone for kids from the area to look up to. I've already had many students come back and spend time with me, so they can get an idea of what it's like to be in medicine.”

OSF HealthCare offers a variety of assistive services for individuals with limited English proficiency by providing interpretation, translation and other aides to patients and their loved ones at no cost. For more information, visit OSF HealthCare.

 

Maritza Estrada-O’Brien Interview Clips

Joy Preciado and Dr. Leonardo Interview Clips 

Graciela Botello Interview Clips 

B-Roll

]]> Wed, 17 Apr 2024 08:23:00 -0500 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/3c429a90-b4ae-4686-994f-6f55397bebd6/500_hispanicdoctorandpatient.jpg?10000 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/3c429a90-b4ae-4686-994f-6f55397bebd6/hispanicdoctorandpatient.jpg?10000 OSF HealthCare restores health care in Peru, Illinois https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-healthcare-restores-health-care-in-peru-illinois/ https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-healthcare-restores-health-care-in-peru-illinois/627245Key Takeaways: 

  • OSF HealthCare opened its newest hospital in Peru, Illinois. 
  • In Phase 1, the hospital offers a full emergency department, two inpatient beds and ancillary services. 
  • The second phase will take place later this year and include 12 inpatient beds and outpatient services. 
  • OSF closed on the purchase of the hospital in November 2023. 
]]>OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center - Peru is open for business. In Phase 1, the hospital offers a full emergency department, inpatient medical beds, along with ancillary services. 

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More than a year after it closed, Peru, Illinois, has its hospital back.

OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center – Peru opened its doors to the public on Sunday, April 7.

“It's definitely been an adventure,” says Dawn Trompeter, president of OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center. “It’s been an evolution and a lot of hard work by many people.”

The Peru hospital, which is the second campus of OSF Saint Elizabeth in Ottawa, is opening in phases. Phase 1 is completed and includes a full emergency department and two inpatient medical beds, as well as ancillary services that support the emergency department and inpatient beds including diagnostic imaging, laboratory, dietitian, pharmacy, EKG and respiratory.

The second phase, which will take place later this year, will include opening 12 inpatient beds as well as outpatient services.

The new hospital reflects a shift in health care where there is more of an emphasis on outpatient services.

“There has been an evolution of change from inpatient to outpatient services over the years, thanks to the advancement of medicine,” says Trompeter. “The key is to get the emergency department, our physician offices and clinics up and running, both in primary care and specialty, and then have those robust outpatient services as well as hospital inpatient services available here in the Illinois Valley.”

OSF HealthCare acquired the former Midtown Plaza complex, Midtown Clinic and Granville Clinic in June. Those sites opened last July and included OSF PromptCare, OSF Medical Group – Primary Care locations, OSF Occupational Health and OSF Rehabilitation.

Other new primary care locations opened in Spring Valley and Ogelsby, along with OSF Medical Group – Obstetrics & Gynecology in Peru. OSF HealthCare hired more than 450 former employees, physicians and advanced medical providers of St. Margaret’s Health to staff the hospital and other locations. 

OSF HealthCare closed on the purchase of the hospital less than five months ago, and Mission Partners (employees) got busy getting the hospital ready to open. Hundreds of Mission Partners were involved in cleaning, repairing and upgrading systems to get the Peru campus up and running.

Trompeter says the response from the Peru community has been overwhelming.

“Everyone has been so supportive, regardless of when we run into them or where we run into them,” she says. “They are very grateful and supportive of the work, for OSF coming in and opening these services back up. We're appreciative of all their support.”

Trompeter adds that as the rural health care landscape has changed across the country, OSF HealthCare has been very intentional in its planning for the future. That includes the announcement that OSF HealthCare plans to build a new OSF Saint Elizabeth hospital across the street from the current campus in Ottawa, Illinois. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

“We are creating a sustainable health care system for years to come,” she says. “As other rural hospitals and services are closing across the nation, we feel strongly about being here to continue to serve these communities.” 

Interview Clips 

B-Roll

]]> Wed, 10 Apr 2024 08:33:55 -0500 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/27ad00c9-b2e6-4afa-ab23-204169cb2dcf/500_peru7.jpg?10000 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/27ad00c9-b2e6-4afa-ab23-204169cb2dcf/peru7.jpg?10000 OSF HealthCare to build new inpatient hospital in Ottawa https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-healthcare-to-build-new-inpatient-hospital-in-ottawa/ https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-healthcare-to-build-new-inpatient-hospital-in-ottawa/623034Total investment will be more than $180 million into Illinois Valley communitiesOSF HealthCare is an integrated health system founded by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. Headquartered in Peoria, Illinois. OSF HealthCare has 16 hospitals – 10 acute care, five critical access, one transitional care - with 2,131 licensed beds throughout Illinois and Michigan. OSF employs nearly 24,000 Mission Partners across 150+ locations; has two colleges of nursing; operates OSF Home Care Services, an extensive network of home health and hospice services; owns Pointcore, Inc., comprised of health care-related businesses; OSF HealthCare Foundation, the philanthropic arm for the organization; and OSF Ventures, which provides investment capital for promising health care innovation startups. In 2020, OSF OnCall was established, a digital health operating unit, including a hospital-at-home. OSF OnCall delivers care and services when, where and how patients prefer to receive them. OSF HealthCare has been recognized by Fortune as one of the most innovative companies in the country. More at osfhealthcare.org

]]>OSF HealthCare announced this week plans to build a new inpatient hospital in Ottawa, Illinois. The tentative opening date is expected in late 2027. 

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As part of an ongoing commitment to transform, preserve and sustain evolving health care along the entire I-80 corridor, OSF HealthCare plans to build a new inpatient hospital in Ottawa, Ill.

OSF HealthCare intends to file a Certificate of Need (CON) application with the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board to build a new inpatient hospital facility to replace the current one in Ottawa. The new hospital will be built across the street, south of East Norris Drive (Route 6), on a vacant 31-acre plot of OSF-owned land. The current OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center was built in the early 1970s and is at the end of its useful life with infrastructure challenges necessitating this decision.

“Over the past decade, OSF HealthCare has sustained and grown quality health care services in and around Ottawa,” says August Querciagrossa, CEO of the Western Region for OSF HealthCare. “When the new hospital is built, it will be reimagined as levels and types of services offered are realigned throughout the I-80 corridor. Our intent across all our I-80 communities is to ensure current and future generations have access to care locally.”

OSF HealthCare expects to submit the application to the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board by the end of March with approval for the new facility anticipated by the end of 2024. A tentative opening date is expected in late 2027.

This is a multi-year plan centered on the following future-state services.

OSF Saint Elizabeth – Ottawa Campus

The new hospital will be designed with the patient at the center of the care model. OSF Saint Elizabeth-Ottawa will have a 26-bed inpatient behavioral health unit, 12 medical/surgical beds, and a state-of-the-art surgery suite, emergency services, diagnostic imaging, and robust outpatient care services. Primary and specialty care clinics, including cardiovascular care, general surgery and OB/GYN, will continue to provide services in Ottawa.

OSF is committed to growing and expanding cancer care through the Fox River Cancer Center as part of the continuum/network with the OSF Cancer Institute in Peoria and the Patricia D. Pepe Center for Cancer Care at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. In addition, rehab services will be moving to the newly constructed YMCA this spring.

OSF Saint Elizabeth – Peru Campus

Due to its central location, OSF Saint Elizabeth-Peru will serve as the hub hospital within the I-80 corridor and support a full range of inpatient and outpatient services. This includes 45 medical/surgical beds, 8 ICU rooms, 11 obstetric rooms to support the regional birthing center, surgery and procedure rooms, emergency services, diagnostic imaging and robust outpatient care services.

In addition to these changes, OSF HealthCare serves residents of Mendota, Princeton, Streator, Marseilles, Spring Valley, Oglesby, Granville and Henry with a wide variety of services. “Care has advanced from traditional inpatient settings to outpatient services. These advances in medicine allow patients today to receive more efficient and effective care than previous generations experienced,” says Dawn Trompeter, president of OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center. “This transformation also creates centers of excellence across various specialties, including wound care and occupational health. This is beneficial for patients because it means they are receiving focused and expert care in specific areas, ensuring better outcomes and tailored treatments for their needs, as well as recruitment and retention of high-quality clinicians and ancillary teams.”    

]]> Thu, 07 Mar 2024 11:15:55 -0600 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/044fee20-4d77-4adb-a7ad-ad23d8c0e951/500_semc-ottawa.jpg?10000 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/044fee20-4d77-4adb-a7ad-ad23d8c0e951/semc-ottawa.jpg?10000 OSF HealthCare to open hospital in Peru https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-healthcare-to-open-hospital-in-peru/ https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-healthcare-to-open-hospital-in-peru/618977OSF HealthCare is an integrated health system founded by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. Headquartered in Peoria, Illinois. OSF HealthCare has 16 hospitals – 10 acute care, five critical access, one transitional care - with 2,131 licensed beds throughout Illinois and Michigan. OSF employs nearly 24,000 Mission Partners across 150+ locations; has two colleges of nursing; operates OSF Home Care Services, an extensive network of home health and hospice services; owns Pointcore, Inc., comprised of health care-related businesses; OSF HealthCare Foundation, the philanthropic arm for the organization; and OSF Ventures, which provides investment capital for promising health care innovation startups. In 2020, OSF OnCall was established, a digital health operating unit, including a hospital-at-home. OSF OnCall delivers care and services when, where and how patients prefer to receive them. OSF HealthCare has been recognized by Fortune as one of the most innovative companies in the country. More at osfhealthcare.org 

]]>More than a year after it closed, Peru’s hospital is reopening as OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center – Peru.

The hospital, located at 925 West St., is tentatively scheduled to open April 7, with emergency services and limited inpatient beds. Diagnostic imaging, laboratory, pharmacy, EKG and respiratory will be available to serve the patients in the ED and inpatient unit. Additional programs and services will become available later in a second phase. There are still many elements that will need to be finalized before officially opening. OSF is appreciative of the collaboration between many entities throughout the state of Illinois and within the Illinois Valley.

“After much planning and preparation, we are excited to open this new OSF campus,” said August Querciagrossa, CEO of Western Region, OSF HealthCare. “All along, our goal has been to preserve and sustain access to high-quality, local health care for the residents of the Illinois Valley. Today is a significant milestone in the history of our Ministry.”

In addition to the hospital, OSF HealthCare acquired the former Midtown Plaza complex, Midtown Clinic and Granville Clinic. These sites opened last July and included OSF PromptCare, OSF Medical Group – Primary Care locations, OSF Occupational Health and OSF Rehabilitation. Other new primary care locations opened this month in Spring Valley and Oglesby, along with OSF Medical Group – Obstetrics & Gynecology in Peru. OSF HealthCare has hired more than 450 former employees, physicians and advanced medical providers of St. Margaret’s Health to staff the hospital and other locations.

OSF HealthCare has a strong presence in the Illinois Valley, also serving residents of Mendota, Princeton, Ottawa, Marseilles and Streator with 24/7 emergency services, primary and specialty care, prompt care, OSF OnCall Urgent Care and 24/7 digital urgent care, nurse triage and other types of care.

“OSF HealthCare has provided care to the Illinois Valley and surrounding communities for some time now,” says Dawn Trompeter, president of OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center and OSF HealthCare Saint Paul Medical Center. “We are excited to expand our partnership with these communities to provide a local source of health care with all the benefits of a nationally recognized system.”

]]> Mon, 29 Jan 2024 09:25:00 -0600 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/500_osfhealthcarelogonewstacked2017.jpg?63889 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/osfhealthcarelogonewstacked2017.jpg?63889 OSF HealthCare opens more clinics in Illinois Valley https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-healthcare-opens-more-clinics-in-illinois-valley/ https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-healthcare-opens-more-clinics-in-illinois-valley/612881OSF HealthCare is an integrated health system owned and operated by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, headquartered in Peoria, Illinois. OSF HealthCare has 16 hospitals – 10 acute care, five critical access, one transitional care - with 2,131 licensed beds throughout Illinois and Michigan. OSF employs nearly 24,000 Mission Partners across 150+ locations; has two colleges of nursing; operates OSF Home Care Services, an extensive network of home health and hospice services; owns Pointcore, Inc., comprised of health care-related businesses; OSF HealthCare Foundation, the philanthropic arm for the organization; and OSF Ventures, which provides investment capital for promising health care innovation startups. In 2020, OSF OnCall was established, a digital health operating unit, including a hospital-at-home. OSF OnCall delivers care and services when, where and how patients prefer to receive them. OSF HealthCare has been recognized by Fortune as one of the most innovative companies in the country. More at osfhealthcare.org/. 

]]>OSF HealthCare is delighted to share exciting news about its continued commitment to providing quality healthcare to the communities in the Illinois Valley. In response to the region's growing healthcare needs, OSF HealthCare proudly announces the opening of two new OSF Medical Group - Primary Care offices and an OSF Medical Group – Obstetrics and Gynecology office.  Patients with existing appointments with these providers do not need to reschedule. Patients will be contacted directly to confirm the location of their appointments.

OSF Medical Group – Obstetrics and Gynecology | 920 West Street | Suite 110 | Peru |opening January 9, 2024

  • Jennifer Maschmann, MD
  • Norah Toraason, MD

OSF Medical Group-Primary Care | 415 East Second Street | Spring Valley | opening January 11, 2024

  •  Karen Eggers, APRN
  • Fazal Khan, MD
  •  Louis Lukancic, MD
  • Michael Morrow, MD
  • Robert Morrow, MD
  • Cynthia Salazar, APRN
  •  Taylor Vipond, APRN

OSF Medical Group-Primary Care | 790 West Walnut Street | Oglesby | opening January 16, 2024

  • Patricia Blackburn, PA
  • Ricardo Calderon, MD
  • Britnae Lewis, APRN
  • Elizabeth Stuart, APRN

Effective Monday January 21, 2024, Dr. Vijay Sharma will transition his practice to see patients at OSF Medical Group Primary Care – Ottawa on Norris Drive with Tuesday appointments at OSF Medical Group Primary Care – Center for Health in Streator. Dr. Sharma will not be returning to Spring Valley.  Patients of Dr. Sharma can continue to schedule appointments and will be contacted regarding the location of their appointments.

We appreciate our patients' flexibility and patience during this transition period. We look forward to sharing office phone numbers and additional information as it becomes available. For more information, visit OSF HealthCare | Here for you. Here for Life

]]> Mon, 04 Dec 2023 11:32:40 -0600 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/500_osfhealthcarelogonewstacked2017.jpg?63889 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/osfhealthcarelogonewstacked2017.jpg?63889 OSF HealthCare patients have 24/7 access to care where and when they need it https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/new-osf-healthcare-patients-now-have-247-access-to-care-where-and-when-they-need-it/ https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/new-osf-healthcare-patients-now-have-247-access-to-care-where-and-when-they-need-it/606247OSF HealthCare is an integrated health system owned and operated by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, headquartered in Peoria, Illinois. OSF HealthCare has 16 hospitals – 10 acute care, five critical access, 1 transitional care - with 2,131 licensed beds throughout Illinois and Michigan. OSF employs nearly 24,000 Mission Partners across 150+ locations; has two colleges of nursing; operates OSF Home Care Services, an extensive network of home health and hospice services; owns Pointcore, Inc., comprised of health care-related businesses; OSF HealthCare Foundation, the philanthropic arm for the organization; and OSF Ventures, which provides investment capital for promising health care innovation startups. In 2020, OSF OnCall was established, a digital health operating unit, including a hospital-at-home. OSF OnCall delivers care and services when, where and how patients prefer to receive them. OSF HealthCare has been recognized by Fortune as one of the most innovative companies in the country. More at osfhealthcare.org/. 

OSF OnCall, part of Peoria, Illinois-based OSF HealthCare, offers unique, full-scale digital health and convenient care options. Providing an array of services anytime, anywhere, OSF OnCall includes digital platforms and software to connect people with care 24/7 using smartphone apps, text-based check-ins and video visits with live support. OSF OnCall Urgent Care offers in-person or virtual visits for minor injuries and illness. OSF OnCall Connect supports people through digital and at-home care. OSF OnCall also represents other at-home and hospital-based digital care including remote monitoring, intensive care and hospitalist programs, as well as a digital hospital option. Learn more at osfoncall.org. 

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OSF HealthCare patients at two medical group offices in Peru and another in Granville have additional options to access care with technology that supports after-hours communication.

OSF HealthCare Western Region CEO AJ Querciagrossa points out that adding so many new patients has come with the challenge of fielding more than 3,000 calls a week from the Illinois Valley. In response, OSF has hired more staff to handle the additional calls and prevent long wait times.

Going forward, with extra support, new patients will be able to call to make an appointment with their doctor’s office 24/7; they don’t have to wait to call during traditional business hours.

Querciagrossa also suggests trying out OSF MyChart (osfhealthcare.org/osf-mychart), an online portal that, among other things, gives quick access to test results, health records, notes from a doctor’s visit, plus the ability to message a provider about the need for medication refills or with a question about care. It’s also an easy option to schedule, cancel or re-schedule an appointment for an in-person or virtual visit.

Sickness and injuries happen at all hours. As an OSF patient, there’s another way to possibly skip a trip to the emergency department to get after-hours care for minor illnesses and injuries through virtual visits at OSF OnCall Urgent Care. Patients can hop on the OSF OnCall website (osfoncall.org/urgentcare) or grab their phone to connect to an online interview or video visit to receive high-quality care from an OSF provider.

Through the OSF website, osfhealthcare.org, individuals can also chat with virtual assistant Clare who can answer questions about symptoms and suggest the best options to receive care.

For patients who qualify, there are opportunities for expanded support through special digital care programs: 

o   Health and wellness
o   Remote monitoring for chronic conditions
o   Pregnancy and postpartum
o   Pediatric respiratory monitoring

 “Our Mission is to serve with the greatest care and love, and we are prepared to compassionately listen to patients for input about the new ways of reaching us and accessing their care team,” Querciagrossa stresses.

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit osfhealthcare.org/hereforyou.

]]> Thu, 16 Nov 2023 11:29:00 -0600 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/844165f8-e070-47f6-b40f-a1d85d6ca781/500_virtualvisit.jpg?10000 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/844165f8-e070-47f6-b40f-a1d85d6ca781/virtualvisit.jpg?10000 OSF approved for change of ownership of Peru hospital https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-approved-for-change-of-ownership-of-peru-hospital/ https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-approved-for-change-of-ownership-of-peru-hospital/582622OSF HealthCare is an integrated health system owned and operated by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, headquartered in Peoria, Illinois. OSF HealthCare has 15 hospitals – 10 acute care, five critical access - with 2,084 licensed beds throughout Illinois and Michigan. OSF employs nearly 24,000 Mission Partners throughout 150+ locations; has two colleges of nursing; operates OSF Home Care Services, an extensive network of home health and hospice services; owns Pointcore, Inc., comprised of health care-related businesses; OSF HealthCare Foundation, the philanthropic arm for the organization; and OSF Ventures, which provides investment capital for promising health care innovation startups. In 2020, OSF OnCall was established, a digital health operating unit, including a hospital-at-home, which delivers care and services when, where and how patients prefer to receive them. OSF HealthCare has been recognized by Fortune as one of the most innovative companies in the country. More at osfhealthcare.org/. 

]]>The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board has approved a Certificate of Exemption (COE) application by OSF HealthCare for a change in ownership of the St. Margaret’s Health – Peru hospital.

The hospital in Peru, Illinois, will in the future operate as a second campus of OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center, a 99-bed hospital in Ottawa, Illinois. The Peru location at 925 West St., is expected to open with emergency care and other inpatient services following completion of the sale of assets from St. Margaret’s Health to OSF, and after all regulatory approvals are received and necessary on-site preparations are completed.

“We are excited to move forward with our preparation to open this new OSF campus as quickly as possible,” said August Querciagrossa, CEO, Western Region, OSF HealthCare. “Our goal is to preserve and sustain access to high quality, local health care for the residents of the Illinois Valley.”

OSF HealthCare has hired more than 320 former employees of St. Margaret’s Health and more than 50 providers including physicians and advanced medical providers.

“Our Ministry is pleased to welcome so many former St. Margaret’s Health employees as new OSF Mission Partners,” says Querciagrossa. “They know these communities so well and will help OSF going forward in continuing to serve the Illinois Valley with the greatest care and love.”

OSF HealthCare has also acquired the former Midtown Plaza complex, Midtown Health Center and Granville Clinic. These sites opened July 10 and include OSF PromptCare, OSF Medical Group – Primary Care locations, OSF Occupational Health and OSF Rehabilitation.

]]> Thu, 27 Jul 2023 10:18:00 -0500 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/500_osfhealthcarelogonewstacked2017.jpg?63889 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/osfhealthcarelogonewstacked2017.jpg?63889 OSF HealthCare co-hosts IVAC community breakfast https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-healthcare-co-hosts-ivac-community-breakfast/ https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-healthcare-co-hosts-ivac-community-breakfast/581326OSF HealthCare is an integrated health system owned and operated by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, headquartered in Peoria, Illinois. OSF HealthCare has 15 hospitals – 10 acute care, five critical access - with 2,084 licensed beds throughout Illinois and Michigan. OSF employs nearly 24,000 Mission Partners throughout 150+ locations; has two colleges of nursing; operates OSF Home Care Services, an extensive network of home health and hospice services; owns Pointcore, Inc., comprised of health care-related businesses; OSF HealthCare Foundation, the philanthropic arm for the organization; and OSF Ventures, which provides investment capital for promising health care innovation startups. In 2020, OSF OnCall was established, a digital health operating unit, including a hospital-at-home, which delivers care and services when, where and how patients prefer to receive them. OSF HealthCare has been recognized by Fortune as one of the most innovative companies in the country. More at osfhealthcare.org. 

]]>OSF HealthCare partnered with the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development to host a breakfast geared toward informing the community about health care changes in the Illinois Valley.

On Tuesday, July 11, local community leaders gathered at Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Club to learn more about OSF HealthCare and how health care is changing in the Illinois Valley. Dawn Trompeter, president for OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center and OSF HealthCare Saint Paul Medical Center, and AJ Querciagrossa, CEO of the Western Region of OSF HealthCare, provided updates on progress made in Peru and the surrounding areas, as well as what service delivery will look like in the future. Local OSF leadership gave an overview of OSF HealthCare Mission, Vision and Values, Key Results and strategy and what work has been done to ensure continued access to care for Illinois Valley residents.

OSF welcomed former St. Margaret’s employees with open arms and has hired over 300 new Mission Partners (employees), including more than 40 providers, in the last few months. OSF also saw a successful first day at the new Peru and Granville clinics, serving just over 100 patients on Monday. OSF is committed to the Illinois Valley and working diligently to open additional locations.

For the latest news about OSF in the Illinois Valley, visit osfhealthcare.org/hereforyou and follow the new Facebook page dedicated to the surrounding communities at facebook.com/OSFIllinoisValley.

Illinois Valley residents seeking information regarding their care can call OSF at (844) 673-2778. This line is available 24/7 and will offer individuals a direct connection to the information they need during this time. Additionally, patients may seek care at OSF OnCall Urgent Care in Ottawa and OSF PromptCare locations in Princeton, Streator, Mendota and Ottawa. Individuals can also get 24/7 virtual visits through OSF OnCall. Learn more at osfoncall.org/virtualvisit.

]]> Mon, 17 Jul 2023 15:08:03 -0500 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/500_osfhealthcarelogonewstacked2017.jpg?63889 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/osfhealthcarelogonewstacked2017.jpg?63889 OSF Medical Group-Gastroenterology office to open in Ottawa https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-medical-group-gastroenterology-office-to-open-in-ottawa/ https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-medical-group-gastroenterology-office-to-open-in-ottawa/581093OSF HealthCare is an integrated health system owned and operated by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, headquartered in Peoria, Illinois. OSF HealthCare has 15 hospitals – 10 acute care, five critical access - with 2,084 licensed beds throughout Illinois and Michigan. OSF employs nearly 24,000 Mission Partners throughout 150+ locations; has two colleges of nursing; operates OSF Home Care Services, an extensive network of home health and hospice services; owns Pointcore, Inc., comprised of health care-related businesses; OSF HealthCare Foundation, the philanthropic arm for the organization; and OSF Ventures, which provides investment capital for promising health care innovation startups. In 2020, OSF OnCall was established, a digital health operating unit, including a hospital-at-home, which delivers care and services when, where and how patients prefer to receive them. OSF HealthCare has been recognized by Fortune as one of the most innovative companies in the country. More at osfhealthcare.org/. 

]]>OSF HealthCare is pleased to announce that the new OSF Medical Group – Gastroenterology office will open on Monday, July 17, at 1304 Gemini Circle in Ottawa.

The clinic’s specialty providers include Geetha Dodda, MD, Jenny Gaworski, APRN, and Julie Flanagan, APRN, ensuring continued access for patients needing gastroenterology services.

New or existing patient appointments can be made by calling (815) 431-3079 beginning Thursday, July 13. Any patients with appointments scheduled under St. Margaret’s Health must call and reschedule. OSF HealthCare does not have access to those scheduled appointment records.

Former St. Margaret’s patients should request a copy of their medical records from St. Margaret’s Health (SMH), which has partnered with a vendor to assist with this process. Visit aboutsmh.org/medical-records-request and complete the Authorization for Use and Disclosure of Health Information form. When filling out the form, please be sure to list the reason for the request and where to send the records. Fax to (815) 664-1169 or mail to:  SMH - Medical Records Requests, 600 E. First St., Spring Valley, IL 61362

SMH will no longer accept requests over the phone or by message, but if you have a question about your records, call (815) 664-1583. Due to volume, please expect at least 30 days to receive your records. Record requests are subject to fees that may be charged by SMH or their vendor in accordance with State and Federal Laws. For Radiology images performed at Peru or Spring Valley hospitals, call the Imaging Department at (815) 664-1469.

Illinois Valley residents seeking information regarding their care can call OSF at (844) 673-2778. This line is available 24/7 and will offer individuals a direct connection to the information they need during this time. Additionally, patients may seek care at OSF OnCall Urgent Care in Ottawa and OSF PromptCare locations in Princeton, Streator, Mendota and Ottawa. Individuals can also get 24/7 virtual visits through OSF OnCall. Learn more here.             

]]> Thu, 13 Jul 2023 09:57:49 -0500 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/500_osfhealthcarelogonewstacked2017.jpg?63889 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/osfhealthcarelogonewstacked2017.jpg?63889 OSF to open Peru Midtown and Granville locations July 10 https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-to-open-peru-midtown-and-granville-locations-july-10/ https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-to-open-peru-midtown-and-granville-locations-july-10/580085OSF HealthCare is an integrated health system owned and operated by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, headquartered in Peoria, Illinois. OSF HealthCare has 15 hospitals – 10 acute care, five critical access - with 2,084 licensed beds throughout Illinois and Michigan. OSF employs nearly 24,000 Mission Partners throughout 150+ locations; has two colleges of nursing; operates OSF Home Care Services, an extensive network of home health and hospice services; owns Pointcore, Inc., comprised of health care-related businesses; OSF HealthCare Foundation, the philanthropic arm for the organization; and OSF Ventures, which provides investment capital for promising health care innovation startups. In 2020, OSF OnCall was established, a digital health operating unit, including a hospital-at-home, which delivers care and services when, where and how patients prefer to receive them. OSF HealthCare has been recognized by Fortune as one of the most innovative companies in the country. More at osfhealthcare.org/

]]>OSF HealthCare is pleased to announce the opening of the Midtown Plaza complex, Midtown Health Center, and Granville Clinic. These locations will open Monday morning, July 10, including OSF PromptCare, OSF Medical Group – Primary Care locations, OSF Occupational Health, and OSF Rehabilitation.

OSF Medical Group - Primary Care, located in the Midtown Health Center, 1650 Midtown Road, Peru, includes Grant Reed, DO, Andrew Zidow, MD, Michelle Vasquez, MD, Anju Patel, MD, Kara Fess, MD, Deb Herz, APRN and Hallie Konieczki, APRN.

·         Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

•     Phone: (815) 538-1351

OSF PromptCare will be located in the Midtown Health Center, 1650 Midtown Road, Peru. It is a walk-in clinic to assess and treat sudden minor illnesses and injuries. PromptCare has an on-site lab, X-ray services, and treatment rooms for minor procedures.

·         Seven days a week from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

·         Phone: (815) 538-1351

OSF Occupational Health, 1412 Midtown Plaza, Peru, providing pre-employment physicals, fit for duty, drug and alcohol screenings and respiratory fitness.

·         Monday – Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

·         Phone: (815) 538-1353

OSF Rehabilitation, 1424 Midtown Plaza, Peru, will provide physical, occupational and speech therapies.

  • Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Phone: (815) 538-1354

OSF Medical Group – Primary Care, 1436 Midtown Plaza, Peru, will include Dexter Angeles, MD and Todd Kuzma, PA.

·         Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

·         Phone: (815) 538-1355

OSF Medical Group - Primary Care, 309 McCoy St., Granville, is where Shawn Bailey, MD, will continue to see patients.

  • Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Phone: (815) 538-1352

Former St. Margaret’s patients should request a copy of their medical records from St. Margaret’s Health (SMH), which has partnered with a vendor to assist with this process. Visit aboutsmh.org/medical-records-request and complete the Authorization for Use and Disclosure of Health Information form. When filling out the form, please be sure to list the reason for the request and where to send the records. Fax to (815) 664-1169 or mail to:

SMH - Medical Records Requests
600 E. First St.
Spring Valley, IL 61362

SMH will no longer accept requests over the phone or by message, but if you have a question about your records, call (815) 664-1583. Due to volume, please expect at least 30 days to receive your records. Record requests are subject to fees that may be charged by SMH or their vendor in accordance with State and Federal Laws. For Radiology images performed at Peru or Spring Valley hospitals, call the Imaging Department at (815) 664-1469.

Illinois Valley residents seeking information regarding their care can call OSF at (844) 673-2778. This line is available 24/7 and will offer individuals a direct connection to the information they need during this time. Additionally, patients may seek care at OSF OnCall Urgent Care in Ottawa and OSF PromptCare locations in Princeton, Streator, Mendota and Ottawa. Individuals can also get 24/7 virtual visits through OSF OnCall. Learn more here.             

]]> Thu, 06 Jul 2023 09:10:08 -0500 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/500_osfhealthcarelogonewstacked2017.jpg?63889 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/osfhealthcarelogonewstacked2017.jpg?63889 OSF Rehab at Midtown Plaza Opens July 10 https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-rehab-at-midtown-plaza-opens-july-10/ https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-rehab-at-midtown-plaza-opens-july-10/578679OSF HealthCare is an integrated health system owned and operated by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, headquartered in Peoria, Illinois. OSF HealthCare has 15 hospitals – 10 acute care, five critical access - with 2,084 licensed beds throughout Illinois and Michigan. OSF employs nearly 24,000 Mission Partners throughout 150+ locations; has two colleges of nursing; operates OSF Home Care Services, an extensive network of home health and hospice services; owns Pointcore, Inc., comprised of health care-related businesses; OSF HealthCare Foundation, the philanthropic arm for the organization; and OSF Ventures, which provides investment capital for promising health care innovation startups. In 2020, OSF OnCall was established, a digital health operating unit, including a hospital-at-home, which delivers care and services when, where and how patients prefer to receive them. OSF HealthCare has been recognized by Fortune as one of the most innovative companies in the country. More at osfhealthcare.org.

]]>OSF HealthCare is excited to announce the opening of OSF Rehabilitation at 1424 Midtown Plaza in Peru. The clinic will open on Monday, July 10, and provide a wide variety of rehabilitation services.

Whether you are dealing with back pain or recovering from a stroke, the OSF Rehabilitation team has board-certified, highly skilled therapists who can help. The goal of our therapy programs is to improve function, prevent further pain or disability and improve quality of life.

“Our team is dedicated to the Illinois Valley and we’re excited to be one of the first of several clinics to open in Peru,” says Sonja Martel, vice president of Rehabilitation Services. “We’re committed to providing compassionate patient care and serving the community with the greatest care and love.”

OSF Rehabilitation at Midtown Plaza will provide physical, occupational and speech therapies. The clinic will be open five days a week. Hours are as follows:

·         Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

·         Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

 Learn more about OSF Rehabilitation at osfhealthcare.org/rehabilitation.

]]> Mon, 26 Jun 2023 10:30:28 -0500 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/500_osfhealthcarelogonewstacked2017.jpg?63889 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/osfhealthcarelogonewstacked2017.jpg?63889 OSF Welcomes Additional Illinois Valley Providers https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-welcomes-additional-illinois-valley-providers/ https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-welcomes-additional-illinois-valley-providers/578542OSF HealthCare is an integrated health system owned and operated by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, headquartered in Peoria, Illinois. OSF HealthCare has 15 hospitals – 10 acute care, five critical access - with 2,084 licensed beds throughout Illinois and Michigan. OSF employs nearly 24,000 Mission Partners throughout 150+ locations; has two colleges of nursing; operates OSF Home Care Services, an extensive network of home health and hospice services; owns Pointcore, Inc., comprised of health care-related businesses; OSF HealthCare Foundation, the philanthropic arm for the organization; and OSF Ventures, which provides investment capital for promising health care innovation startups. In 2020, OSF OnCall was established, a digital health operating unit, including a hospital-at-home, which delivers care and services when, where and how patients prefer to receive them. OSF HealthCare has been recognized by Fortune as one of the most innovative companies in the country. More at osfhealthcare.org.

]]>OSF HealthCare is pleased to welcome providers in gastroenterology and primary care to better serve communities in the Illinois Valley.

The addition of Geetha Dodda, MD, and Jenny Gaworski, APRN, will ensure continued access for patients in need of gastroenterology services. Location to be determined.

Deb Herz, APRN, a primary care provider, will be joining the Ministry to provide high-quality patient care at OSF Medical Group – Primary Care located at 1650 Midtown Road in Peru.

Illinois Valley residents seeking information regarding their care can call (844) 673-2778. This line is available 24/7 and will offer individuals a direct connection to the information they need during this time. Additionally, patients may seek care at OSF OnCall Urgent Care in Ottawa and OSF PromptCare locations in Princeton, Streator, Mendota and Ottawa. Individuals can also get 24/7 virtual visits through OSF OnCall. Learn more at osfoncall.org/virtualvisit.

Former St. Margaret’s patients should request a copy of their medical records from St. Margaret’s Health (SMH), which has partnered with a vendor to assist patients with this process. Visit aboutsmh.org/medical-records-request and complete the Authorization for Use and Disclosure of Health Information form. When filling out the form, please be sure to list the reason for the request and where to send the records. Complete the form and fax it to (815) 664-1169 or mail it to:

SMH
Medical Records Requests
600 E. First St.
Spring Valley, IL 61362

SMH will no longer accept requests over the phone or by message, but if you have a question related to your records, call (815) 664-1583. Due to volume, please expect at least 30 days to receive your records. Record requests from the vendor working with SMH are subject to fees in accordance with State and Federal Laws. For Radiology images performed at Peru or Spring Valley hospitals, call the Imaging Department at (815) 664-1469.

]]> Fri, 23 Jun 2023 16:05:53 -0500 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/500_osfhealthcarelogonewstacked2017.jpg?63889 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/osfhealthcarelogonewstacked2017.jpg?63889 OSF Welcomes Former St. Margaret's Health Providers https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-welcomes-former-st-margarets-health-providers/ https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-welcomes-former-st-margarets-health-providers/578373OSF HealthCare is an integrated health system owned and operated by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, headquartered in Peoria, Illinois. OSF HealthCare has 15 hospitals – 10 acute care, five critical access - with 2,084 licensed beds throughout Illinois and Michigan. OSF employs nearly 24,000 Mission Partners throughout 150+ locations; has two colleges of nursing; operates OSF Home Care Services, an extensive network of home health and hospice services; owns Pointcore, Inc., comprised of health care-related businesses; OSF HealthCare Foundation, the philanthropic arm for the organization; and OSF Ventures, which provides investment capital for promising health care innovation startups. In 2020, OSF OnCall was established, a digital health operating unit, including a hospital-at-home, which delivers care and services when, where and how patients prefer to receive them. OSF HealthCare has been recognized by Fortune as one of the most innovative companies in the country. More at osfhealthcare.org/. 

]]>OSF HealthCare is pleased to announce the addition of former St. Margaret’s Health providers to its Ministry. OSF has completed phase one of its purchase, which includes Midtown Plaza complex, Midtown Health Center, and Granville Clinic. These locations will open soon to offer the community a variety of new care options, including OSF Medical Group – Primary Care as well as OSF Rehabilitation.

Joining OSF Medical Group - Primary Care at the former Midtown Primary Care location:

Dr. Grant Reed, Dr. Andrew Zidow, Dr. Michelle Vasquez, Dr. Anju Patel, Dr. Kara Fess, and Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Hallie Konieczki.

Joining OSF PromptCare at the former Midtown walk-in location:

Dr. Rahul Sampat, and APPs Amy Corsolini, Brigitte Pratt, Candace Ramirez, Melissa Ramirez, Keith Christensen, and Tamara Dunlap-Workman.

Dr. Shawn Bailey will join Granville Primary Care. Dr. Dexter Angeles, Dr. Robert Koogler, and Todd Kuzma, APP, will be located at Midtown Plaza.

Joining OSF Primary Care Princeton:

Dr. Travis Swink, Jen Gutshall, APP, and Kellie Kozlowski, Psychiatric Mental Health NP.

Other providers who have agreed to join OSF HealthCare include: Dr. Louis Lukancic, Dr. Robert Morrow, Dr. Vijay Sharma, Dr. Fazal Khan, Dr. Michael Morrow, Dr. Ricardo Calderon, and APPs Cynthia Salazar, Elizabeth Stuart, Britnae Lewis, Patricia Blackburn, Karen Eggers, and Taylor Vipond. Locations to be determined.

Former St. Margaret’s patients should request a copy of their medical records from St. Margaret’s Health. St. Margaret’s has partnered with a vendor to assist patients with this process. Per the St. Margaret’s website, instructions for obtaining files are as follows:  For the Spring Valley hospital or clinic records, call (815) 664-1583. For the Peru hospital or Peru clinics, call (815) 780-3464 for records. When calling, leave a message and clearly provide your name, date of birth, type of records needed and a call back number. Also include where you want your records sent. For more information, click here.

Illinois Valley residents seeking information regarding their care can call (844) 673-2778. This line is available 24/7 and will offer individuals a direct connection to the information they need during this time. Additionally, patients may seek care at OSF OnCall Urgent Care in Ottawa and OSF PromptCare locations in Princeton, Streator, Mendota and Ottawa. Individuals can also get 24/7 virtual visits through OSF OnCall. Learn more here.             

]]> Thu, 22 Jun 2023 09:21:56 -0500 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/500_osfhealthcarelogonewstacked2017.jpg?63889 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/osfhealthcarelogonewstacked2017.jpg?63889 OSF HealthCare welcomes Illinois Valley residents https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-healthcare-welcomes-illinois-valley-residents/ https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-healthcare-welcomes-illinois-valley-residents/577711OSF HealthCare is an integrated health system owned and operated by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, headquartered in Peoria, Illinois. OSF HealthCare has 15 hospitals – 10 acute care, five critical access - with 2,084 licensed beds throughout Illinois and Michigan. OSF employs nearly 24,000 Mission Partners throughout 150+ locations; has two colleges of nursing; operates OSF Home Care Services, an extensive network of home health and hospice services; owns Pointcore, Inc., comprised of health care-related businesses; OSF HealthCare Foundation, the philanthropic arm for the organization; and OSF Ventures, which provides investment capital for promising health care innovation startups. In 2020, OSF OnCall was established, a digital health operating unit, including a hospital-at-home, which delivers care and services when, where and how patients prefer to receive them. OSF HealthCare has been recognized by Fortune as one of the most innovative companies in the country. More at osfhealthcare.org/. 

]]>Though St. Margaret’s Health facilities have closed in the Illinois Valley, OSF HealthCare is available to provide the best possible care for patients.

“OSF HealthCare truly values the services St. Margaret’s Health provided the Illinois Valley communities, and we are working diligently to ensure we minimize gaps,” says August Querciagrossa, Chief Executive Officer Western Region, OSF HealthCare. “We accept all patients at any of our OSF locations, regardless of ability to pay. We realize the sudden impact this change has had on Illinois Valley residents who need medical care.”

For residents in need of immediate emergency care, dial 9-1-1 or visit OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa, OSF Saint Clare Medical Center in Princeton, or OSF Saint Paul Medical Center in Mendota.

OSF opened a phone line for Illinois Valley area residents to provide information on care options or to set up a new patient appointment. The number is (844) 673-2778. Another option is our chatbot Clare, who can help navigate our website, provide information, and answer questions. Click here.

Individuals can also get in-person visits or 24/7 virtual visits through OSF OnCall. Learn more here.

OSF HealthCare is in the process of acquiring some of the St. Margaret’s Health assets, including the hospital facility in Peru. We are determining how best to provide necessary services to the Illinois Valley, but this process, along with the necessary regulatory approvals, takes time.

OSF has completed phase one of its purchase of the Midtown Plaza complex, Midtown Health Center, and Granville Clinic and is working to hire, train and establish our networks to reopen as soon as possible. Recruiting employees continues to be one of our top priorities. Many employees of St. Margaret’s Health have recently joined OSF and more will become part our Ministry in the future.

 “Our Ministry is pleased to welcome many of the former St. Margaret’s Health employees into OSF as new Mission Partners. Training is underway, and we are excited to take on this incredible opportunity to serve the Illinois Valley with the greatest care and love,” says Querciagrossa. “We ask for patience and understanding as we navigate this process together.”

]]> Fri, 16 Jun 2023 09:43:53 -0500 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/500_osfhealthcarelogonewstacked2017.jpg?63889 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/osfhealthcarelogonewstacked2017.jpg?63889 OSF HealthCare Committed to Illinois Valley Communities https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-healthcare-committed-to-illinois-valley-communities/ https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-healthcare-committed-to-illinois-valley-communities/575216OSF HealthCare is an integrated health system owned and operated by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, headquartered in Peoria, Illinois. OSF HealthCare has 15 hospitals – 10 acute care, five critical access - with 2,084 licensed beds throughout Illinois and Michigan. OSF employs nearly 24,000 Mission Partners throughout 150+ locations; has two colleges of nursing; operates OSF Home Care Services, an extensive network of home health and hospice services; owns Pointcore, Inc., comprised of health care-related businesses; OSF HealthCare Foundation, the philanthropic arm for the organization; and OSF Ventures, which provides investment capital for promising health care innovation startups. In 2020, OSF OnCall was established, a digital health operating unit, including a hospital-at-home, which delivers care and services when, where and how patients prefer to receive them. OSF HealthCare has been recognized by Fortune as one of the most innovative companies in the country. More at osfhealthcare.org/. 

]]>Like many in the community, OSF HealthCare is saddened by this news of the closure of St. Margaret’s Health – Peru. We understand the impact this news has on Illinois Valley residents who are facing an immediate need for medical care.

To help with this situation, OSF HealthCare is moving quickly to purchase select real estate assets. OSF will lease medical office locations including the Midtown Plaza complex, Midtown Health Center and Granville Clinic back to St. Margaret’s Health, so that St. Margaret’s can continue operations at these locations as well as the other locations being purchased. OSF will directly take on the leases for the Midtown Plaza businesses such as Sherwin-Williams.

OSF HealthCare also intends to purchase the hospital in Peru and to open the facility as a second campus of OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center, Ottawa. This will allow an emergency department and still to-be-determined inpatient and outpatient services to again be available in Peru. Until the purchases by OSF Healthcare are finalized, St. Margaret’s and OSF Healthcare must continue to operate independently.

The purchase by OSF HealthCare of specific St. Margaret’s Health assets will not be enough to fix the financial challenges, and therefore, St. Margaret’s Health has made the difficult decision to close clinics in Henry, LaSalle and Streator. In addition, St. Margaret’s Health is working with the investment bankers, Juniper Advisory Group, for the sale of other properties that are not included in the OSF transaction.

]]> Thu, 18 May 2023 15:03:00 -0500 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/500_osfhealthcarelogonewstacked2017.jpg?63889 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1873/osfhealthcarelogonewstacked2017.jpg?63889