Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center News

Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center Receives AHA's Mission: Lifeline Silve...

Provena Health — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:00:00 CST

Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center receives American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Silver Quality Achievement Award for heart attack care

Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® Silver Receiving Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center’s commitment and success in implementing an exceptional standard of care for heart attack patients.

Each year in the United States, nearly 300,000 people have a STEMI, or ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, the most severe form of heart attack. A STEMI occurs when a blood clot completely blocks an artery to the heart. To prevent death, it’s critical to immediately restore blood flow, either by surgically opening the blocked vessel or by giving clot-busting medication. Hospitals involved in Mission: Lifeline are part of a system that makes sure STEMI patients get the right care they need, as quickly as possible. Mission: Lifel

Joliet Hospital Named Among Top 12 in Chicago area

Provena Health — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 12:00:00 CST

Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet is Named One of Chicago’s Top Hospitals

What does Joliet’s very own, Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center(PSJMC) have in common with Northwestern, Rush, University of Chicago and Loyola University Medical Center? They were all selected as hospitals to consider if you or a family member finds out they have a serious illness. Chicago magazine recently ranked St. Joseph in Joliet among the best hospitals in the Chicago area.

Of the 97 hospitals in the six-county metro area, Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet ranked eleventh on the prestigious list. The magazine analyzed data on medical quality from various sources, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the American Hospital Association and the Illinois Department of Public Health. The data was weighted by topics of su

Building Better Bones

Provena Health — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 12:00:00 CST

Provena Saint Joes to Host Free Building Better Bones Program Jan. 22 in New Lenox

It may not be fair, but it’s true. If you’re a woman, you’re automatically at greater risk for osteoporosis than men. In fact, the National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that one in two women over age 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture in her lifetime. That’s twice the rate of fractures in men. The good news is that it’s never too late to build better bones. Let Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center help you improve your bone health by attending Building Better Bones Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 6 p.m., at the Provena Healing Arts Pavilion in New Lenox.

As part of Provena Saint Joes’ free Red Hot Mamas lecture series, this program will feature an interactive panel discussion with experts who cover every aspect of bone health. Speakers include: • Fellowship-trained geriatrician Neil Sharma, M.D., who specializes in treating the special health needs of older patients; • Board-certified diagno

Provena St. Joes Earns A for Patient Safety

Provena Health — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 12:00:00 CST

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Awarded an “A” for Patient Safety

Score Joliet, IL, November 30, 2012 – Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center was honored with an “A” Hospital Safety Score by The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits.

The A score was awarded in the latest update to the Hospital Safety ScoreSM, the A, B, C, D or F scores assigned to U.S. hospitals based on preventable medical errors, injuries accidents, and infections. The Hospital Safety Score was compiled under the guidance of the nation’s leading experts on patient safety and is designed to give the public information they can use to protect themselves and their families.

“This recognition of the safe and high quality care we provide our patients is based on actual outcome data,” said Beth Hughes, President & CEO, Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center. “Our staff is diligent in following protocols and best practices, and that results in outstanding care. One

Congratulations, You're Having a Baby, and by the way, You have Cancer

Provena Health — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 12:00:00 CST

Congratulations, You’re Having a Baby, and by the way, You have Cancer

How Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Physicians and Staff Helped a Young Mother Live

Imagine having a loving husband and a one-year-old son at home and finding out you are pregnant with your second child. It would be one of the happiest moments in your life. It should be, but what if you also found out that you have breast cancer?

In 2001, at the age of 30, Colleen Lenz had just received the news of her second pregnancy, and two weeks later found a lump in her breast. Dr. Angela Intili, OB/GYN at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center, first did a needle biopsy, then an ultrasound and X-ray.

Within a week from finding the lump, a lumpectomy performed with only local anesthetic (because of the pregnancy) confirmed breast cancer. The next day a nurse from the office of Sarode Pundaleek

Provena St. Joes Receives AHA Quality Achievement Award

Provena Health — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:00:00 CST

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Receives American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Bronze Quality Achievement Award for Heart Attack Care

Award demonstrates Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center’s Commitment to quality care for heart attack patients

Sept. 4, 2012 - Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® Bronze Receiving Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center’s commitment and success in implementing a high standard of care for heart attack patients.

Each year in the United States, nearly 300,000 people have a ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, known as STEMI, the most severe form of heart attack. A STEMI occurs when a blood clot completely blocks an artery to the heart. To prevent death, it is critical to immed

Women's Health Facility Opening

Provena Health — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:00:00 CST

Women's Health Facility Opening Across From Walmart - as seen in the New Lenox Patch, July 16, 2012 by Ann C. Piasecki

Health care marketers promote patient pampering, giving a spa mentality to treatment.

The new Provena Healing Arts Pavilion, along Route 30 across from Walmart, is officially opening its doors at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 19. However, the facility is set to begin accepting on-site appointments tomorrow.

An open house featuring tours, raffles, and a demonstration of a regeneration facial is slated from 9 a.m. till noon July 21. The 45,000-square-foot medical building is staffed to provide a variety of physician services to accommodate the community with diagnostic imaging and immediate care along with primary care, pediatrics, cardiology and cardiovascular services, said Jan Ciccarelli, Provena's director of planning and marketing.

But the emphasis of this f

Patients Get a Lift with Growing Health Care Movement

Provena Health — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 12:00:00 CST

Patients get a lift with growing health care movement - as seen in the Chicago Tribune, July 4, 2012, by Annemarie Mannion

With obesity on the rise and a new law on the books, facilities invest in getting patients safely from bed to chair

Richard Shamonski, of Joliet, suffers so badly from rheumatoid arthritis that even the slightest bit of pressure on his joints can cause him to shout in pain. Before a recent 3 1/2-week stay at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, the 6-foot-4-inch, 279-pound Shamonski worried about how the simplest moves, such as transferring him from a bed to a chair, would be performed by the hospital's staff.

In the past, it would have taken six to eight workers to move a person as large as the 33-year-old Shamonski, according to hospital officials. This time, Provena staff used a mechanized hammocklike device to get him in and out of bed. It took only one person to operate the sling and another to offer verbal support to Shamonski as he was tra

The Backbone of Success

Provena Health — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 12:00:00 CST

The backbone of success - as seen in The Herald-News, Jul 10, 2012 02:08PM JOLIET — By Jeanne Millsap

This week, a special “spine camp” begins at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center, an extension of five years of such a successful joint camp that staff decided to extend the idea to spinal surgery patients.

“It really helps decrease anxiety, and the outcomes seem to be better,” said orthopedics patient care manager Barb Walker, “and that’s what we’re all about.” The joint camp, begun in 2007, begins with a pre-operative class for adults who are about to undergo joint surgeries. There is a lot to know about joint repair and replacement surgeries, Walker says, and especially about what it’s going to take for the patients to recover and get their lives back. Before the camp was offered, patients were informed about what to expect by their own physicians, one by one. It just made sense to group them together and have Walker, physical therapists and other staff give them the information and encouragement all at once.<

Hospital Educating Pharmacists

Provena Health — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 12:00:00 CST

Hospital educating pharmacists as seen in the Herald News, July 3, 2012 By Janet Lundquist

Over the last year, two pharmacy college graduates continued their education at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center. They were the first two pharmacists to enter the hospital’s new pharmacy residency program.

Taylor Post, 25, of New Lenox, and Richard Mioni, 25, of Tinley Park, say the hospital’s residency program has left them feeling better-prepared for a career. The current job market for pharmacists is tight now, like it is in many other job fields. “There aren’t that many jobs out there,” said Dina Porro, the residency program director for the hospital. “This gives them a competitive edge.”

The program also benefits the hospital, said Se Choi, the director of pharmacy. “We’re trying to provide better care to our patients, and having an academic program is always a good way of improving our quality” and providing better service to patients, Choi said. “Normally

Presence Health Statement on June 28, 2012 Supreme Court Decision

Provena Health — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 12:00:00 CST

The following statement is from Sandra Bruce, FACHE, President and CEO of Presence Health:

In a Supreme Court vote of 5-4, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including its individual mandate that virtually every American buy health insurance, has been deemed constitutional by the Supreme Court.

With the health care reform law being upheld, Presence Health will continue on its course to follow all federal and state health care reform efforts. We have made significant investments in ACA implementation to enhance quality and expand access to care. We are pleased that access to affordable health care coverage will be available to all.

We will continue to work closely with our elected officials and other policymakers to encourage the support of measures that increase access to care, reduce the number of uninsured and underinsured and transform the way health care is delivered.

Supreme Court Decision

Provena Health — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 12:00:00 CST

Supreme Court Decision

From Sandra Bruce, President and CEO, Presence Health

With the health care reform law being upheld, Presence Health will continue on our course to follow all federal and state health care reform efforts. We have made significant investments in ACA implementation to enhance quality and expand access to care. We are pleased that access to affordable health care coverage will be available to all.

Looking Terrific During Menopause

Provena Health — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 12:00:00 CST

Looking Terrific During Menopause - June 19 - Expert Plastic Surgeon from Provena Saint Joes Presents Free Program in New Lenox

Many cosmetic problems arise during the middle years. A wrinkle here; a wrinkle there. Dry skin, age spots, pigmentation changes; excessive hair growth in the wrong places; thinning hair. Why let these cosmetic concerns dampen your self-esteem? Learn how simple precautions can help and find out about the latest treatment options.

Alan Chen, M.D., F.A.C.S., board-certified plastic/reconstructive surgeon on staff at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center will present: Let’s Hang on to What We’ve Got: Looking Terrific During Menopause Tuesday, June 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the free Red Hot Mamas Menopause Management Education Program sponsored by Provena Saint Joes.

Recognized as one of the area’s foremost plastic surgeons, Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Presents Third Annual Powerful Women May 19

Free Program - Wake Up Call!

National Women’s Health Week draws to a befitting close at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center on Saturday, May 19, 2012, with the third annual Powerful Women, “Wake-Up Call!”

Attendees will enjoy a live “TV talk-show” program, and will feel empowered to make their health a top priority despite their busy lives. The physician “guests” will be asked questions regarding healthcare issues affecting women today. These medical experts will discuss leading-edge treatments available through their offices and Saint Joseph Medical Center as well as candidly answer questions from the host and audience.

Topics such as the controversial vaginal mesh and bladder sling, early menopause, hormone replacement, radiation risks, and the important role of the primary care physician will be highlighted.

Guest speakers

Prescription for a Healthy Life Presented by Dr. Mickey Jester

Provena Health — Fri, 04 May 2012 12:00:00 CST

Red Hot Mamas Free Program - Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Expert Offers a “Prescription for a Healthy Life”

Nutrition, exercise and weight management are important for women at any age – and especially during menopause. If you’re approaching or going through menopause now, find out how eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking can improve your daily life.

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center’s Prescription for a Healthy Life free seminar will be held on Tuesday, May 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the New Lenox Park District’s Lion’s Community Center, 1 Manor Drive. The program is part of Provena Saint Joes’ Red Hot Mamas lecture series that focuses on offering information for pre-, post- and menopausal women to help alleviate discomfort and improve overall health during this important time of life.

“By approaching menopause as a new and exciting stage

Fashion Show Benefits Pediatrics

Provena Health — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:00:00 CST

Provena Saint Joseph Auxiliary Event Benefits Pediatrics

The Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Auxiliary has orchestrated an exciting event that will feature current fashion trends as well as bargains. On Sunday, May 20, the fourth annual fashion show and brunch, now aptly named “Old Bags & New Rags,” will be held at the Bruce J. Wallin, MD, Conference Center, 333 N. Madison St. in Joliet. Convenient, free parking is available in the Springfield Ave. parking deck.

This year’s new trends in fashion from Hansen’s Villa in Manhattan will be featured. Members of the Auxiliary, friends and executives from Provena St. Joes will model a variety of the latest styles. “There will be a few surprises along the way, but mainly, it will be a great way to see the newest styles while enjoying great food and camaraderie,” said Patti Kanellakes, Auxiliary President.

New and gently used purses will be available and a Silent Auction will provide the opportunity to garner some b

Dr. Merhi Kicks off Red Hot Mamas Program with Transition into Menopause

Provena Health — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:00:00 CST

Pause and Effect: The Transition into Menopause Free Women’s Health Seminar Offered by Noted Gynecologist, April 17 in New Lenox

If you’re a woman, over 40 and nearing or going through menopause, you are probably a “Red Hot Mama,” and Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center has an exciting new program designed just for you! Starting in April, Provena Saint Joes will offer free monthly programs at the New Lenox Park District Lion’s Community Center to enlighten and reassure women about the changes that menopause brings. The program kick-off, Tuesday, April 17, 6-8 p.m., will feature board-certified gynecologist Nahla Merhi, M.D., discussing Pause and Effect: The Transition into Menopause.

Dr. Merhi will talk about biological changes taking place during menopause and their relation to health issues for women; recognizing the symptoms of menopause; and managing th

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Among Top 100

Provena Health — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:00:00 CST

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Among America’s 100 Best Hospitals - Study Ranks Hospital in Top 5% in the Nation – Joliet, IL, March 20, 2012

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center announced today that its superior clinical quality has placed it among an elite group of U.S. hospitals: HealthGrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals. To be recognized with this distinction, hospitals must have had risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates that were in the top 5% in the nation for a minimum of four years studied. On average, patients treated at America’s 100 Best Hospitals had nearly a 30% lower risk of death.

“We are pleased to be recognized with this designation, which is based on outcomes. As a tertiary level hospital, we treat some of the sickest and most complex patients,” said Beth Hughes, President and CEO of Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center, “and yet are still able to consistently achieve some of the best results for our patien

St. Joes Aggressive Screening Catches Aneurysms Early

Provena Health — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:00:00 CST

Saint Joe's Aggressive Screening Catches Aneurysms Early by Marilyn Olson

As seen in the Sun Times, February 23, 2012

Dr. Michael Tuchek, Director of the Cardiovascular Surgery Program at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, once wondered why he was seeing so many patients with aneurysms (bulging points on an artery that, if ruptured, usually kill). “I wondered why we seemed to have a huge aneurysm population at Saint Joe’s,” Tuchek said. “Was it something in the environment? Family history?

“It turns out it was really because we have an effective screening program at Saint Joe’s, and that was discovering these problems so they could be fixed before they became lethal!” An undiscovered dissecting aneurysm killed actor John Ritter in 2003, and other famous people such as Einstein, Lucille Ball and George C. Scott died from ruptured aneurysms.<

Provena Health - Resurrection Health Care Selects Presence Health as New Na...

Provena Health — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:00:00 CST

Presence Health has been chosen as the name of the new healthcare system formed by the November, 2011 merger of Provena Health of Mokena, IL, and Resurrection Health Care of Chicago, IL. A formal rollout of a new logo and related branding will occur over the next several months.

The name was chosen by the Corporate Member, the organization’s five sponsoring organizations: the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and the Sisters of the Resurrection.

“The Sisters chose a name that respects the legacies of the founding health systems, while also advancing the new organization in a way that balances innovation with the mission and values of Catholic healthcare,” said Sandra Bruce, FACHE, President and CEO of the newly-named Presence Health. “Presence Health embodies the act of being present in every moment we share with those we serve and is the cornerstone of an effective patient, resident and family-centered care environment. It also signifies a spiritual connection, as we b

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Among the Top 5% in the Nation

Provena Health — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:00:00 CST

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center announced that HealthGrades, the nation's leading independent healthcare ratings organization has named it a Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence for the 5th year in a row. This prestigious distinction places Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center among the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for clinical performance. HealthGrades Hospital Quality and Clinical Excellence study objectively identifies those hospitals with the best overall clinical performance across 26 medical diagnoses and procedures that the organization rates. These 263 top-performing hospitals represent only 5% of the nation's hospitals and each is designated as a HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence . "Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center can be proud of the contributions of its physicians, nurses and staff in achieving outstanding patient care," said Kristin Reed, MPH, HealthGrades vice president of hospital ratings and author of the study. "The Joliet community is fortunate to have access to some of the highest quality hospital care in the nation." "We are proud to add this award to our list of a

Neuro Patients at St. Joseph's Celebrate with their Medical Heroes

Provena Health — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

As seen in the Herald News
By Janet Lundquist

JOLIET — A toddler recovered from a fall that left him minutes from brain death. A 23-year-old suffering a stroke received quick intervention and a new lease on life. A teenager who suffered a brain injury in a fall from an all-terrain vehicle fully recovered under a month of careful monitoring.

The patients met their doctors and the people who got them to the hospital under much better circumstances Wednesday, in a happy reunion hosted by Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center.

The hospital hosted a breakfast in recognition of the Will and Grundy counties’ emergency medical technicians who hospital officials say have helped St. Joseph’s become the best in the state for neuroscience.

The hospital received the Neurosciences Excellence Award, the Stroke Care Excellence Award and a Neurosurgery Excellence Award from HealthGrades, an independent health-care evaluation organization.

The combined HealthGrades rankings makes the hospital No. 1 in the state for neuroscience, hospital officials say.

The hospital opened its Ne

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Offers Women Health Classes

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

Learn Easy Ways to Take Care of Yourself January 17, 2012, Joliet, IL - Ladies, Do you want to learn more about staying healthy while living a busy life? Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center, through a grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Office of Women's Health, is offering two separate Life Smart for Women 10-week sessions beginning February 16 and 18. "Too often, women take care of everyone else - their children, spouse, parents, friends - and neglect to care for themselves," said Margaret Downey, Manager Cardiopulmonary Rehab at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center. "But we all know that we need to stay healthy in order to fulfill those responsibilities. This program is designed to address health issues and ways to better care for ourselves without taking up an extraordinary amount of time." Life Smart for Women is an educational and behavior altering program that increases awareness of health issues affecting women. Important health issues and nutrition will be discussed and exercise will be a focus. One class for women age 65 and older will be held on Thursdays at 1-2 p.m., while the Saturday mornin

Lagger Appointed to Chief Relations Officer

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

Lisa Lagger

Lisa Lagger has been appointed Chief Relations Officer (CRO) for Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center. Lagger will take up her new duties beginning January 16 fresh from her service to the newly merged Provena Health – Resurrection Health Care system where she led Corporate Communications initiatives and had previously served as Vice President, Public Relations and Marketing, for Provena Health prior to the merger.

As CRO, Lagger will work to create a unified strategic approach to building enduring positive relationships with key stakeholders, including our employees, physicians, patients and family members, ven

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Welcomes First Baby of 2012

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

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Welcomes First Baby of 2012 J

The first baby of 2012 born at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, was a boy. Brayden Joshua McKinney was born at 5:49 a.m., weighing 6 lbs, 11 oz..and was 19-1/2 inches long. Parents, Jason and Bonnie from Joliet welcomed their first child. Brayden’s dad, Jason, works at Saint Joes in the Information Technology department as a Network Specialist.

Little Brayden was delivered by Dr. Brian Egan.

The happy family was surprised with the short labor and anticipates an exciting year and is anxious to bring their new addition to their family home; but in the meantime, they are enjoying each other in comfort at Saint Joes. They were delighted when presented with a huge blue Teddy Bear and other items from the hospital to celebrate.

“There’s no better way to start a new year,” was the sentiment expressed by the alway