Provena Mercy Medical Center News

National Go Red Day!

Provena Health — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:00:00 CST

As a proud Sponsor of the American Heart Association, several hospital employees "went red" in support National "Go Red Day."

Patient Move Clears Path for Phase Two Room Renovation at Provena Mercy

Provena Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:00:00 CST

Moving Day has arrived for Provena Mercy Medical Center Patients! The hospital recently completed phase one, of a two phase renovation project on its medical/surgical and telemetry units. Forty-two newly modernized patient rooms were officially approved in January by the Illinois Department of Public Health for occupancy. On February 2, 2012, nearly 100 patients became the first official residents of the newly upgraded suites. This will allow for the second half of room renovation to begin.

In total, this $11 million renovation project will feature ninety newly renovated patient rooms with private bathrooms. The project is expected to be fully completed by late summer of 2012. The new rooms will also feature flat screen televisions, access to wireless internet, soothing décor and ample space for visitors.

“It’s been a long process planning for these new rooms and it’s truly exciting to see it now becoming a reality,” said George Einhorn, Prov

Provena Mercy's Center for Diabetic Wellness Receives Grant Funding for Chi...

Provena Health — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

The Provena Health Transforming Communities Advisory Council has awarded Provena Mercy Medical Center one of the two 2012 Transforming Communities grant. Provena employees from the corporate office generously contributed to the “We Are Provena” Employee Giving Program, which supports the important work of our community.

The Center for Diabetic Wellness is grateful to have been awarded funding to purchase supplies and equipment to offer a childhood obesity program in Aurora and Elgin. The diabetes team at Provena Mercy Medical Center and Provena Saint Joseph Hospital will collaborate to offer the program in both communities.

The I’m Reducing Obesity in Children (IROC) Nutrition Program will receive $10,000 in funding. This program was designed to provide a series of workshops that emphasize proper nutrition education for parents and children including goal setting and motivation related to healthy behavior issues. The workshops consist of parents attending nutrition education classes presented by a registered dietitian as children concurrently participate

Provena Mercy's Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics

Provena Health — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

Provena Mercy Medical Center is proud to announce the renewal of their Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics (EDAP) status designated by Illinois Department of Public Health. This designation confirms that Provena Mercy Medical Center's highly trained medical team has the resources and capabilities to provide pediatric emergency care.

The Illinois Department of Public Health said Provena Mercy has made many contributions to the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Facility Recognition program over the last several years. The Illinois Department of Public Health recognized and appreciated these contributions. This recognition status will be effective until 2013.

In addition Provena Mercy Medical Center is an accredited Chest Pain Center. This accreditation recognizes the skill of physicians and clinicians in responding promptly t

Provena Mercy Recognized by the Joint Commission for Hip and Knee Replaceme...

Provena Health — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

Provena Mercy Medical Center has earned the Gold Seal of Approval^TM for hip and knee joint replacement from The Joint Commission. The Certification Award recognizes Provena Mercy Medical Center's dedication to exceeding The Joint Commission's highest quality and patient care standards.

Provena Mercy Medical Center underwent a volunteer rigorous on-site survey in December 2011. A Joint Commission expert surveyor evaluated Provena Mercy Medical Center for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of joint replacement patients and their families, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.

The surveyor noted some of the Provena Mercy's "best practices" including the hospital's effective multidisciplinary approach and low length of hip and knee replacement patient stay. The surveyor also was impressed with Provena Mercy’s pain management program which enables hip and knee replacement patients to walk just a few hours after surgery.

The Joint Commission Disease Specific Care Certificati

Provena Mercy Stroke Care Program Receives Reaccreditation

Provena Health — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

AURORA IL – Provena Mercy Medical Center’s Advanced Primary Stroke Program recently was recognized for its ability to provide stroke care that can significantly improve outcomes for patients.

Provena Mercy received recertification as a Primary Stroke Center from The Joint Commission, an independent organization that measures performance standards of health care organizations across the United States.

To become a Primary Stroke Center, Provena Mercy health care providers prepared extensively to provide the necessary documentation for The Joint Commission, which reviewed the structure of the Provena Mercy’s stroke program, its current stroke patients and the care provided to them, use of data and the competencies of staff and licensed independent practitioners. Certification is awarded for a two-year period.

This distinction demonstrates that Provena Mercy’s stroke care program follows national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients.

Surveyors commented on a nu

No shortage of nursing care

Provena Health — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

By JONATHAN BILYK, as appeared in Kane County Chronicle

Jessica Clementz didn’t grow up dreaming of working in the intensive care unit of a hospital.

Nor did her mind ever wander away from a lecture in high school because she was daydreaming about easing suffering in an emergency department.

But since joining the ranks about a year and a half ago of the hundreds of nurses working in local hospitals and other health care environments in Kane County, Clementz can’t imagine working any other job.

“Taking a job like this, that desire is something that has come about through life experience,” said Clementz, of Aurora. “Being a nurse has given me an opportunity to feel like I was reaching people.”

Throughout the county, however, stories such as Clementz’s are becoming commonplace in hospital departments, nursing homes, clinics and doctor offices of all types and sizes, as the number of people choosing nursing as either a first stab at life or as a second career continues to swell.

Nationally, concerns about a looming shortage of nurses to

Hinckley couple's third is area's first baby of New Year

Provena Health — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

By Matt Hanley, as appeared in Aurora Beacon News

Storks were racing to the Fox Valley Sunday morning and a Hinckley family’s third child ended up as the first baby born in the area this year.

Colin Ryan Hellebrand was born at 12:47 a.m. in Provena Mercy Medical Center, narrowly edging the arrival of Laila Jafferi, who was born 21 minutes later at Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora.

Colin’s parents, Amy and Brian Hellebrand, were surprised to learn their newest son, due Jan. 5, was the first of 2012.

“We joked about (being a New Year’s baby), but we never really considered it,” Amy Hellebrand said.

Amy said around 5:30 p.m. Saturday, she started feeling contractions while in their Hinckley home. By 7 p.m., it was pretty clear that would be the day. Brian and Amy were at the hospital by 9:30 p.m., prepared with both a girl and boys’ name depending on who showed up.

Around midnight, one of the nurses wished the fami

Provena Mercy Medical Center Names New CEO

Provena Health — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

Maureen A. Bryant has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of Provena Mercy Medical Center, Aurora, effective February 6, 2012.

Bryant's healthcare career has included more than 24 years in executive leadership positions for hospitals primarily located on the east coast. Her most recent experience has been at Morton Hospital and Medical Center in Massachusetts where she spent two years as the President and CEO and 10 years as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Most recently as President and CEO, she led Morton through a complex process to identify potential partners, ultimately leading to the approval and transition of the hospital to Steward Health Care System in 2011.

Prior to joining Morton Hospital and Medical Center, Bryant was the Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Albany Medical Center in New York for three years. She also had the opportunity to become familiar with a portion of the New Ministry local market during the three years she spent as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet. Earlier in her career

Looking to Get Away this Winter?

Provena Health — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CST

Taking a trip for business or pleasure? Visit Dr. Tiwari of Provena Medical Group whose Travel Clinic offers travel evaluations, re-evaluations and immunizations to help you prepare!

Learn more about Dr. Tiwari's Travel Clinic!

Provena Medical Group - Dr. Tiwari

444 North Eola, Ste. 110
Aurora, IL 60502
(630) 499-8758

Laborers' provide toys for Provena Mercy

Provena Health — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CST

As appeared in Fox Valley Labor News

By Jennifer Rice, Managing Editor

Laborers’ Local 149 donated several boxes of toys to Provena Mercy Medical Center. (From left) Mike Bivens, Local 149 president; George Einhorn, president/CEO of Provena Mercy Medical Center; Dan Brejc, business manager for LIUNA Local 149 and Susan Mennenga, Provena Mercy Medical Center Foundation executive director, show some of the gifts children will receive.

When children are taken to the emergency room or admitted to the pediatric center at Provena Mercy Medical Center, some are frightened and timid. For most, it may be the first time they are not sleeping in their own bed.

One way to ease their fear and to comfort them is with a toy. With the help of Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 149, children will now rest a little easier. This week, the union donated six large boxes of toys to the hospital.

“This is our fifth year gather

Provena Mercy Medical Center Recognized by Compa�eros en Salud

Provena Health — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CST

Provena Mercy Medical Center was awarded the "2011 Mission Award- Partner of the Year" for outstanding service and support by Compañeros en Salud /Partners in Health, NFP at the organization’s recent annual awards. Compañeros en Salud/Partners in Health is an Aurora based coalition that focuses on addressing the healthcare and social issues that affects the Hispanic community and other diverse groups. Their mission is to provide the Hispanic community and other diverse groups with the means to access resources and services for their health and well-being.

Provena Mercy Medical Center has exhibited this commitment to the Hispanic/Latino communities and to Compañeros en Salud in several ways. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has cited some of the leading causes of illness and death among Hispanics to be heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. In addition, language barriers that affec

Not too late to get your flu shot

Provena Health — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CST

It's not too late to get your flu shot for this season. Provena Mercy Medical Center staff will be on hand to administer flu shots at the Two Rivers Food Pantry at 1661 Landmark Road in Aurora this Friday from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.

No Registration is required. Shots are $20, payable by cash, check, Medicare Part B (bring card) or Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express.

You must be at least 18 years of age. A physician's note is required if you are pregnant or nursing. Questions? Call 630-907-1129x2.

Provena Mercy will give-away free ice scrapers at Aurora's Festival of Ligh...

Provena Health — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CST

Provena Mercy Medical Center is a major sponsor of the Famous Aurora Rotary Club’s Annual Festival of Lights. On Friday, December 9th, Provena Mercy will bring holiday cheer to anyone who visits the phenomenal light displays. As a special gift, we will be giving away ice scrapers to the first 200 visitors that evening. Stop by between from 5-9pm. The Festival of Lights is located at Phillips Park at 615 S. Smith Blvd in Aurora.

Provena Mercy Invites You to Participate in 8-week Diabetes Prevention Prog...

Provena Health — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CST

AURORA IL – It's not too late to participate in Provena Mercy Medical Center's free, 8-week program to achieve good health.

The application deadline is December 16 for “The A-List: Achieving Good Health,” a diabetes prevention program developed by Provena Mercy’s Center for Diabetic Wellness to help those who want to make lifestyle changes and to educate the community about the seriousness of diabetes.

Provena Mercy Medical Center will select 15 men and women with risk factors for developing diabetes, such has having high cholesterol or blood pressure, being overweight, or living a sedentary lifestyle.

Selected participants will receive initial screenings, followed by 8 weeks of educational programs, healthy eatin

Have You Had Your Flu Shot?

Provena Health — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:00:00 CST

It's not too late!

Join us at one of our upcoming Flu Shot Clinics:

No registration required. $20.00 payable by cash, check, Medicare Part B (bring card) or Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express. You must be at least 18 years of age. A physician's note is required if you are pregnant or nursing. Questions? Call 630-907-1129x2.

Friday, December 2nd or December 16

Two Rivers Food Pantry, 1661 Landmark Rd, Aurora

9am- 11am

Aurora's Provena Mercy Shows Off Renovation Project

Provena Health — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:00:00 CST

By Daily Herald report

Provena Mercy Medical Center has completed the first phase of a project to renovate its private patient rooms and on Tuesday gave visitors a sneak peek at the progress.

Officials said the hospital at 1325 N. Highland Ave., Aurora, is halfway toward converting its double-occupancy rooms into private ones that will provide more modern facilities, make the best use of space and improve patient comfort, privacy and safety.

The $11 million project, which will result in 90 renovated rooms with private bathrooms, flat screen TVs and access to wireless Internet, is scheduled for completion late next summer.

The new rooms will reduce interruptions and traffic to make it easier for patients to rest, officials said. They also will increase privacy for discussions with both family and physicians and allow patients to control the temperature, lighting and noise levels.

Officials said the renovations also are designed to increase the efficiency of the medical

Provena Mercy shows off major hospital room upgrade

Provena Health — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:00:00 CST

By Erika Wurst, Aurora Beacon News

The hospital is not a place people really want to end up, but if they check into Provena Mercy Medical Center, they may never want to leave.

Provena Mercy — which just celebrated its 100th year — is undergoing an $11 million renovation, and the fruits of that labor were revealed Tuesday morning during a VIP showing. Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner, State Rep. Linda Chapa Lavia and proud members of the Provena Mercy Medical Center Foundation got a sneak peek of the new

Provena Mercy's Center For Diabetic Wellness to offer Diabetes Meal Plannin...

Provena Health — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:00:00 CST

Learn about our FREE, 8-week Diabetes Prevention Program

See what else we're doing for Diabetes Month

AURORA IL – Provena Mercy Medical Center and its Center for Diabetic Wellness invite the community to "Diabetes Meal Planning for the Holidays," a free diabetes meal planning and cooking demonstration on Wednesday, November 16, 20011 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The event is offered in observation of Diabetes Awareness Month and includes free gifts, refreshments and food sampling.

Presenters include Chef Jennifer Buko Lamplough, MCFE and Lara Rondinelli Hamilton, RD, LDN, CDE, authors of “Healthy Calendar Diabetic Cooking,” and “The Healthy Carb Diabetes Cookbook, Favorite Foods to Fit Your Meal Plan.”

Hip and Knee Pain: Evaluation and Non-Surgical Treatment Options.

Jamil Jacobs-El, MD- Orthopedic Surgeon, Dreyer medical Clinic and a member of the Provena Mercy Medical Center Medical Staff

Hip and Knee Pain: Arthritis and Replacement Surgery Treatment Options

John Pinnello, MD- Orthopedic Surgeon, Castle Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, S.C. and a member of the Provena Mercy Medical Center Medical Staff

Tuesday, November 15th

5:30pm- Registration & Dinner

6pm-Dinner & Presentation

Provena Mercy Medical Center-1325 North Highland Ave. Aurora. General hospital, lower level.

If you suffe

Mammograms - The Who, What, When and Why

Provena Health — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:00:00 CST

As Appeared in the Beacon News
From Submitted Reports
October 11, 2011

OK, so it’s been roughly two years since a government report recommended increasing the age at which women should begin breast cancer screenings. Yet today, there is still confusion as to what age women should start getting annual mammograms.

And that’s not all. With today’s technological advancements, patients are overwhelmed with information about topics such as digital mammography, baselines and breast MRI.

What exactly does it all mean? A few of Provena’s experts spell out the details.

Mammograms: what age?

The American Cancer Society recommends women start getting annual mammograms at age 40 and continue for as long as they are in good health. Radiologist Dr. Aparna Vootkur, member of the Provena Mercy Medical Center Medical Staff, agrees.

“Mammograms are an important part of breast cancer prevention and detection and should begin at age 40 for women with average risk,” said Vootkur, who is also a radiologist wit

Healthy Business: Aurora Chamber, Provena Mercy sponsor Women's Business an...

Provena Health — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:00:00 CST

As Appeared in The Beacon News
October 19, 2011
By Jane Donahue
For The Beacon News

AURORA - For Sharon Pendergast, the women's business and health symposium was just what the doctor ordered.

"I love developmental programs because they give me the shot in the arm that I need to re-energize," said Pendergast. "It is something I like to attend annually because it helps me be a better mom, a better person, and a better employee."

On Thursday nearly 70 women gathered at Provena Mercy Medical Center in Aurora for "Rx for Success," a women's business and health symposium sponsored by the hospital and the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The day-long event included seminars to help women enhance their personal and professional growth, with topics ranging from personal branding to financial health.

Marianne Renner, Provena Mercy Medical Center marketing project coordinator, said research shows a correlation between good health and career success. For that reason, Renner partnered with the Chamber

Mammograms - The Who, What, When and Why

Provena Health — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:00:00 CST

And that’s not all. With today’s technological advancements, patients are overwhelmed with information about topics such as digital mammography, baselines and breast MRI.

What exactly does it all mean? A few of Provena’s experts spell out the details.

Mammograms: what age?

“Mammograms are an important part of breast cancer prevention and detection and should begin at age 40 for women with average risk,” said Vootkur, who is also a radiologist with Dreyer Medical Clinic.

Women with increased risk, however, may have different recommendations from their physicians. Increased ris

Certified Nurse Midwives Join Provena Medical Group

Provena Health — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:00:00 CST

Bringing another healthcare choice to local area women for maternity and gynecological well care, Women First Midwifery has joined the practice of Provena Medical Group. The practice now includes Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM’s), Deborah Riddell, Marcia Snyder and Colleen Jones.

Integrating medical science with compassionate, attentive care, CNM’s are licensed professionals who work collaboratively with physicians and have a philosophy that embodies health care personalization and partnerships with women for a life-time. They offer guidance to women through constant communication and education, empowering each woman to make her own decisions about what works best for her.

Women can expect the same level of safety and options with nurse-midwives as they do with physicians. Whether it is an un-medicated alternative childbirth or the use of pain medications or epidural, CNM’s respect a woman’s desires during labor.

Provena Medical Group’s Midwives are happy to discuss their philosophy of care, gynecological well care and birth options. Call 630-897-7700 with questions or to

Provena Mercy Cancer Program Receives Accreditation

Provena Health — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:00:00 CST

Following an intense survey conducted by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons, Provena Mercy Medical Center’s Cancer Services has been granted a Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation. Accreditation by the CoC is given only by those facilities that have voluntarily committed to providing the highest level of quality cancer care and undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance.

Receiving care at a CoC-approved cancer program ensures that a patient will have access to:

Comprehensive care, including a range of state-of-the-art services and equipment
A multi-specialty, team approach to coordinate the best treatment options
Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options
Access to cancer-related information, education, and support
A cancer registry that collects data on type and stage of cancers and treatment results and offers lifelong patient follow-up
Ongoing monitoring and improvement of care
And most importantly, quality care close to ho