Provena Health News

Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary Mark 150th Anniversary of Founding

Provena Health — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST

Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary (above)

Emergency Hospital in Kankakee (above)

Sister Martha Harrington, Director of Pastoral Care
at Provena Our Lady of Victory

The Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary, one of David Bertauski, President and CEO of Provena Covenant, added, "We are deeply grateful to those who support us, especially our dedicated employees who selflessly bring compassionate, faith-based care to our patients each and every day. We can only hope this troubling ruli

Now Open: New Children's Emergency Department at Provena Saint Joseph Medic...

Provena Health — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST

The only Children's ED serving Will and Surrounding Tri-County Area

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center (PSJMC), a Level II trauma center treating 72,000 patients including nearly 18,000 pediatric cases annually, is making it easier and faster for children in Chicago’s southwest suburbs to receive specialized care.

On March 16, PSJMC opens the doors to its 5,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Children's Emergency Department (ED) – the only one of its kind in Will and the surrounding tri-county area, open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Dedicated to serving infants, toddlers, young children and adolescents to age 17, the new facility meets a major need in the community.

"Children are not small adults; they have unique and special needs," said PSJMC Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Beth Hughes. "They need

Provena Health To Host 8th Annual Ethics Day

Provena Health — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST

Provena Health will host its eighth annual Ethics Day on Tuesday, March 16 at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, IL. Topics being addressed on this year’s program range from moral distress experienced by care providers to recent shifts in Catholic teaching related to medically-assisted nutrition and/or hydration.

The day brings together presenters from different healthcare backgrounds to share their expertise. Dr. Ronald Hamel, ethicist from the Catholic Health Association based in St. Louis, MO.; Presbyterian Chaplain Margaret Lindsey and Dr. John Rapp, Vice President of Mission Services from Adventist Health Midwest in Hinsdale, IL; and Dr. David McCurdy, ethicist from Advocate Health in Park Ridge, IL will share reflections on the place of spirituality in the faith-based healthcare environment.

“The purpose of Provena Health’s annual Ethics Day is to deepen the understanding of Provena’s mission, vision and values in day-to-day work, especially in the area of ethics,” shared Father William Grogan, System

Provena Health Celebrates Social Work Month - March 2010

Provena Health — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST

March is designated as Social Work Month. The White House officially recognized National Professional Social Work Month in 1984. From 1984 until 1998 – the centennial year of the profession – the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) selected a social issue to promote every year. Topics included the health care crisis, hate crimes, violence prevention, racial and ethnic harmony, HIV/AIDS, children in poverty, aging parents, value of work, homelessness and more. From 1998 to 2004, Social Work Month themes promoted the profession with general campaigns about who social workers are and how they benefit society.

This year’s celebration theme is: Social Workers Inspire Community Action
Are you inspired? Learn more about volunteer and career opportunities at your local Provena ministry.

Learn about Social Work at Provena:

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center, 333 North Madison St. (use the free and conveniently located Springfield Ave. parking deck & entrance) in Joliet. The paintings will be on display daily through April 30.

Friends of Community Public Art (FCPA) artists have assembled a collection of oil and pastel paintings featuring flowers and trees. The beautiful rich colors of the paintings in Botanicals are sure to lift your spirits. They are a reminder that spring is just around the corner and these cold dreary winter days will soon come to an end.

These painting were done in a Renaissance oil painting technique that uses multiple layers of transparent color glazes to achieve a beautiful luminous effect. FCPA offers classes in this technique. Joliet area artists Beverley Smutnak, Gloria Moses, Barbra Newberg and Terri Lesnak created the Botanicals paintings. The paintings and affordable “Giclee” prints of the paintings are available

Danville Inferno Raise Awareness and Funds for Women's Health Center

Provena Health — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

Provena United Samaritans Medical Center Foundation thanks the Danville Inferno and their fans for their support at the recent Breast Cancer Awareness weekend event at the David S. Palmer Arena!

The auction of the special edition pink hockey jerseys and referee uniforms raised more than $2,200 for the Foundation to use for our Women's Health Center.

We appreciate the Inferno, referees, breast cancer survivors, and fans who made it possible.

Pictured below are Chad Hays (VP, Development & Mission Services), Cameron Estes, (General Manager of the Danville Inferno), Julie Hulvey (breast cancer survivor, dropped the honorary first puck), and Mike Hulvey (General Mgr. Neuhoff Media, & Foundation Board member).

Update on Relief Efforts for Haiti from Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach

Provena Health — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach is a Springfield, Illinois-based Catholic ministry which works with healthcare organizations to recover and responsibly redistribute medical equipment and supplies to people in need around the world. Mission Outreach has long served the people of Haiti through their humanitarian efforts. Provena Health's ministries have long supported Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach through donations of surplus medical equipment and supplies and have contributed over $500,000 worth of medical supplies and equipment since 2006.

In reponse to the relief efforts in Haiti, our ministries have supported Mission Outreach's relief efforts. Below is an update from Bruce Compton, President and CEO of Mission Outreach, on their efforts one month after the earthquake.

Dear Friends of Mission Outreach,

One month after the earthquake that devastated Haiti and drew the attention of the world, Haiti mourns its losses and pl

Study Finds Provena United Samaritans is 5-Star Rated for Heart Attack Care

Provena Health — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

Provena United Samaritans today announced that it has received a 5-Star rating for the quality of its heart attack care from HealthGrades®, a leading independent healthcare ratings organization. The recognition is based on HealthGrades' twelfth annual Hospital Quality in America study, released at the end of 2009, which analyzes patient outcomes at virtually all of the nation's hospitals.

This rating places Provena United Samaritans Medical Center as one of only 31 hospitals rated five-star for heart attack treatment in Illinois and one of only three hospitals in Central Illinois.

"This is further proof that our efforts are paying off, whether its through the millions of dollars invested in technology over the last several years, or specific treatment protocols and training, said Mike Brown, President/CEO of Provena United Samaritans Medical Center. "And it's fantastic to g

Provena Health Offers Intensive Review Course for Critical Care Nurses

Provena Health — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

More than 90 critical care nurses from across the Provena Health system gathered for a two-day Provena-sponsored Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification review on February 4th and 5th, 2010. The result of staff suggestion and intense planning, this first such event in the system’s history was intended for nurses preparing to take the American Association of Critical Care Nurses CCRN certification exam or as a clinical practice review seminar.

"We are extremely proud to have been able to offer our critical care teams system-wide an opportunity to prepare for a national certification and are thankful to all those involved in bringing this important educational session to fruition," said Margaret Gavigan, RN, MSN, MBA, System Senior Vice President, Chief Clinical Officer. "Offering this level of training to our staff not only reflects Provena’s commitment to investing in the ongoing learning and development of our team but also reaffirms our dedication to providing the <

Provena Cor Mariae Center Helps Patients and Residents Stay Connected to th...

Provena Health — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

With a variety of electronic communication tools available for patients, residents and their loved ones, Provena Cor Mariae Center is helping families stay connected.

After the grateful daughter of current resident, Doris Reck, donated a Web cam to the community, employees thought it would be nice for Doris and her daughter to be the first individuals to use it and communicate via Skype, the free, Web-based technology that allows people to see with whom they’re speaking. Doris had been living with her daughter, Patt, in Colorado for about a year and recently moved back to the Rockford, IL, area in December 2009. Because Doris was accustomed to living with Doris and see her often, it’s difficult for her to process at times that Patt doesn’t live in Rockford like her son does and can’t visit as frequently. A Web cam seemed like a great way to connect, and on Wednesday, Jan. 27, the mother-daughter pair w

"A Provena Fox Knoll Resident Shares Her Perspective on Life as She Turns 1...

Provena Health — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:00:00 CST

Photo left: Bernice celebrated her birthday with a party at Provena Fox Knoll.
Photo right: Bernice on a four-wheeling adventure two years ago.

On Saturday, January 23, Bernice Balt, an assisted living resident at Provena Fox Knoll in Aurora, IL, celebrated her 100th birthday, and we wanted to get her perspective on a life well-lived.

Bernice worked as a buyer for Sears until her retirement and then used her talents at Provena Mercy Medical Center, volunteering in their gift shop for 30 years. “I am happier if I’m busy,” said Bernice, “I’m worn out if I have nothing to do.” As you can see, Ms. Balt is a self-pro

Provena Hospice Volunteer Training for 12 County Area

Provena Health — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:00:00 CST

Provena Hospice is recruiting compassionate and caring volunteers to provide comfort and support to terminally ill patients and their families. This may be the opportunity you are looking for to give back to your community if you are able to sit with a patient, provide caregiver respite and emotional encouragement, help in the office, work with support groups and bereaved families, and/or help with fundraising and other committees. Our volunteers go through a comprehensive 16-hour training program. After the initial time commitment for training, volunteer work with hospice can be flexible to fit within your schedule and to serve your community.

We provide service to patients and families in 12 counties. We are especially in need of volunteers in rural and outlying areas surrounding Tuscola, Mattoon, Decatur, Clinton, Le Roy, Gibson City, Paxton, and Watseka.

This Volunteer Training Program will be held at Provena Hospice, 1501 Interstate Drive, Champaign. The training program will be held over the course of six evenings.

Dates and times are

Provena United Samaritans Acquires Two State-of-the-Art Ultrasound Systems

Provena Health — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:00:00 CST

New intelligent system from Philips Medical Systems provides improved patient imaging capabilities, advanced ergonomics and voice-activated control.

Provena United Samaritans recently acquired two iU22 ultrasound systems, providing advanced diagnostic imaging capabilities with an intelligent system interface that streamlines ultrasound exams for patients and clinicians.

The Philips iU22 features 4D (or, real-time 3D) imaging technology that allows patients to view internal organs as if they were being held in the hands. The system's powerful imaging capabilities support a variety of common exams, including vascular, thyroid, and testicular exams. It also offers advanced imaging capabilities specifically beneficial in the evaluation of breast masses.

In addi

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Ranked Top Five Percent in Nation

Provena Health — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:00:00 CST

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Ranked Top Five Percent in Nation According to Quality Study – Three Years in a Row

Recognized for Outstanding Clinical Performance by HealthGrades, the Leading Independent Healthcare Ratings Organization

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center announced today that a new study ranks its clinical quality among the top 5% in the nation for the last three consecutive years. The study by HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization, analyzed patient outcomes at each of the nation’s 5,000 nonfederal hospitals over the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 and named hospitals in the top five percent as HealthGrades Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence™. “We are very pleased to be recognized again this year in an independent study showing that our clinical outcomes are among the best anywhere. The greatest recognition truly comes from the patients’ experiencing excellent outcomes. It is our goal to provide the highest quality care and return each patient to

Provena Health Supports Relief Efforts for Haiti

Provena Health — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:00:00 CST

In response to the devastating earthquake that hit the Republic of Haiti on Tuesday, January 12, Provena Health has made a $10,000 contribution to support the relief efforts being organized by Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, a Springfield, Illinois-based Catholic ministry which works with healthcare organizations to recover and responsibly redistribute medical equipment and supplies to people in need around the world. Mission Outreach has long served the people of Haiti through their humanitarian efforts.

Provena’s ministries have supported Mission Outreach through donations of surplus medical equipment and supplies and have contributed over $500,000 worth of medical supplies and equipment since 2006.

Mission Outreach is responding to the crisis in Haiti by sending blankets, hygiene kits and immediate medical supplies, many of which are destined for the U.S.N.S. Comfort, the Navy’s largest hospital ship, now docked in Haiti to aid the victims.

Locally, Provena Health ministries are also responding to crisis.

Lucia West Jones

Sister Teresa Maltby, RSM

Becky Meggesin
Provena Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Lucia West Jones, Sister Teresa Maltby, RSM, and Becky Meggesin to the Provena Health Board of Directors beginning January 1, 2010.

Ms. Jones, of Monee, IL, currently serves as the Executive Director for the Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging, based in Kankakee, IL She earned a Master of Public Health from the University of Illinois Medical Ce

Provena Covenant Sleep Center receives accreditation

Provena Health — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:00:00 CST

The Sleep Center of Provena Covenant Medical Center has received the gold standard of excellence from The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) for a five-year accreditation.

The standards for accreditation ensure that sleep medicine providers’ display and maintain proficiency in areas such as testing procedures and policies, patient safety and follow-up, and physician and staff training. The first accredited center was in 1977, with 2000 compliant centers today.

The Provena Covenant Sleep Center is led by Ismail Bobat, MD, an expert certified by the American Board of Sleep Medicine.

"We are excited about this accreditation as we continue to provide the highest level and quality of sleep care to our community," said 1. Get moving
Getting enough physical activity is essential for a healthy life. But you don’t need to run marathons or take up body building – all you need is at least 30 minutes of moderate physical every day. You don’t even need to do all 30 minutes at once – break your activity down into three 10 minute periods and you’ll still reap the benefits.

2. Get moving together
Have your family join in too! By encouraging your family to become more physically active, you’re helping them prevent heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. They’ll also be r

Provena Hospice announces 2010 Memory Teddy Bear Events

Provena Health — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:00:00 CST

Provena Hospice will be holding Memory Teddy Bear events this year on Saturdays, February 20, May 1, August 28 and November 6, 2010, from 9:00am-3:00pm at Provena Hospice, 1501 Interstate Drive, Champaign. Please contact Christy Daly at 217-353-3441 or christina.daly@provena.org to reserve your space. There is no charge for these events, but space is limited.

Memory Teddy Bears are made from the clothing of a loved one who has died. These bears are a keepsake of that special person and can help the bereaved in the grieving and healing process.

Our staff and volunteers at the Center for Grief, Loss, and Hope are looking forward to helping you make your own teddy bear. No sewing experience is necessary. Our volunteers will help you cut, sew, and stuff a 24-inch teddy bear for you to keep as a special reminder of your loved on

Provena St. Mary's Acquires New Bed Technology for ICU Patients

Provena Health — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:00:00 CST

Features to enhance patient comfort, increase support and efficiency for care teams

As part of an organizational commitment to continually improving the quality of patient care, 22 intensive care unit (ICU) beds at Provena St. Mary's Hospital in Kankakee were recently replaced by Stryker® InTouch critical care hospital beds that incorporate leading-edge technology and an ergonomic design, resulting in maximum benefit for both patients and caregivers.

"As a hospital nationally recognized for patient safety, Provena St. Mary's knows how very important it is to deliver the very best possible care to every patient, every time," explained Amy LaFine, Vice President, Patient Care Services. "The InTouch product is just one more enhancement to our comprehensive array of leading edge technology that helps us do just that."

Technology incorporated into InTouc

Art Projects Online from I Sing the Body Electric Festival Showcase

Provena Health — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:00:00 CST

I Sing the Body Electric, an outreach program of Provena United Samaritans Foundation, encourages Vermilion County high school students to investigate and communicate healthy lifestyle choices to each other and to the community through the arts.

In 2009, those same artists, sculptors, and photographers brought their creativity to the Festival of Trees by producing art projects based on this year's Festival theme "Rejoice!" This exciting new venue provided a unique way of highlighting the originality and artistic talents of our area young people. The projects were on display throughout the Festival and can be Provena United Samaritans is thrilled to announce that the new Women's Health Center will begin serving patients the week of January 11.

The public is invited to tour the facility at an Open House on Sunday, January 24, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Refreshments and giveaways will be offered, as well as free chair massages, and a chance to win a free heart scan.

The new Women's Health Center is located on the Ground floor of the medical center at 812 N. Logan Avenue, and can be accessed by the main three-bank elevators from the Lobby level.

The Center provides a relaxing setting for the working professional, upscale decor, more privacy, and a pleasan

Provena Health Employees Give to Local Charities

Provena Health — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:00:00 CST

Community outreach efforts are rooted in Provena Health’s overall mission, vision and values.

Santa poses with gifts donated by Provena employees for the benefit of families served by MorningStar Mission in Joliet.

Provena Health employees at the Central Business Office in Bolingbrook collected hats, scarves and mittens in December 2009 to donate to Hessed House in Aurora.

Maggie Wolff (left) and Susan Hogan (right), co-leaders of the Provena Health Corporate Office Living Our Mission team pose with members of the US Marine Corps and toys donated by employees to the USMC's Toys