Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center News

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

Joliet Man Survives Often-fatal Condition

Provena Health — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CST

Joliet man survives often-fatal condition - as seen in the Herald News, Dec. 28, 2011, By Janet Lundquist

There is a man living in Joliet who could be considered a medical miracle.

Michael Powers survived a condition that almost nobody survives. Not only did he live, he is nearly the same now as he was before. In July, Powers, 59, experienced an aortic dissection, the often-fatal condition that killed actor John Ritter in 2003.

“The guy went from being essentially near brain dead with almost no chance of survival, to walking, talking and near normal,” said heart surgeon Michael Tuchek, chief of the cardiac surgery program at Saint Joseph Medical Center. “Half the patients that have this are dead in 24 to 48 hours. About 10 percent go on to survive,” Tuchek said. &ldqu

Meningitis Shot Recommended

Provena Health — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CST

Meningitis shot recommended - as seen in the The Herald-News December 19, 2011 - By Jeannie Millsap

What to get that college student home for break? A meningitis shot.

With college kids home for winter break and teens off school for a couple of weeks, it’s a great time to consider giving them a gift that not only will last a lifetime but could save their lives: a meningitis immunization shot. College students living in dorms, service men and women living in barracks, and others in close quarters are particularly vulnerable to this virulent and dangerous disease.

Physicians recommend adolescents ages 11 and 12, those entering high school or all college freshmen who have not already received the shot, which is called the meningococcal vaccine, get it.

“I strongly urge parents to get their children vaccinated for this,” said family practice physician Dr. Jana Mohan, who is affiliated with Provena St. Joseph Medical

New Simulation Man Offers Real-life Training

Provena Health — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CST

New Simulation Man offers real-life training - as seen in the Herald News By Tony Graf December 22, 2011

Clinical nurse specialist Mary Gniady (right) demonstrates CPR on the Laerdal Simulation Man during the Simulation Lab open house at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet on Wednesday. Mary Gniady did not know the name of the man she rescued Wednesday. As an advanced practice nurse, she had a job to do, and she quickly went to work. “I am alive!” the man responded excitedly after Gniady performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Actually, she still does not know the man’s name. That will have to wait.

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center has a new lab with a high-tech Simulation Man, a lifelike human figure that breathes, sweats and responds realistically to nursing care. The mannequin, designed for education and training purposes, has digitally controlled vital signs. Nurses can observe the readings — and sometimes see and feel results — as his condition changes.

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Reaccredited

Provena Health — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CST

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Reaccredited - A History of Outstanding Inpatient Therapy

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center’s Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation once again has been accredited for a period of three years by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). This decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process and has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit that its programs and services are of the highest quality, measurable, and accountable.

St. Joes also received Stroke Specialty accreditation, a separate certification recognizing e

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center, Vascular Laboratory Receives Accredita...

Provena Health — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CST

Cardiovascular diseases are the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. On average, one American dies every 38 seconds of cardiovascular disease – disorders of the heart and blood vessels. Stroke, a disorder of the blood supply to the brain, is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability in the country, with nearly 800,000 new strokes occurring annually. The American Heart Association estimates that the direct and indirect cost for cardiovascular disease and stroke in the U.S. for 2010 is $576.7 billion.

Early detection of life threatening heart disorders, stroke and other diseases is possible through the use of vascular procedures performed within hospitals, outpatient centers and physicians’ offices. While these tests are very helpful, there are many facets that contribute to an accurate diagnosis based on vascular testing. The skill of the vascular technologist performing the examination, the type of equipment used, the background and knowl

St. Joes Raises $230,000 at Annual Gala

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

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Foundation Gala Raises $230,000 for Greatest Needs, As seen in the Herald News, December 7, 2011

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Foundation raised $230,000 as a result of their 18th Annual Gala, held earlier this month. More than 500 guests, including board members, business leaders, physicians, employees, patrons and friends attended “Under the Sea” to benefit the “Greatest Needs” at Saint Joes.

“Philanthropy is so important in these economic times, when gifts and donations can make the difference to having something special for a pediatric patient or buying the most advanced life-saving equipment,” explains Beth Garrow, Vice President, Foundation, PSJMC.

During the event, the Founders’ Award, PSJMC Foundation’s highest honor, was presented to Dr. Al

Beth Hughes Entry into Health Care

Provena Health — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CST

Beth Hughes’ entry into health care started with a side job she took to support her first career love: music by Janet Lundquist, As seen in the Herald News, December 5, 2011

Beth Hughes earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Northwestern University in Evanston and dreamed of being a professional singer. Hughes, 48, of Naperville, who has been president and CEO of Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center since August, took a job as a registration clerk at a hospital to pay the bills while she pursued her dream. But the longer she worked there, the more she liked the idea of a career in health care, she said. “I was really young and felt like I could do a better job running the place,” she said.

Hughes earned a master’s degree in hospital and health administration from Xavier University in Cinci

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Looks to be Hospital that People Look u...

Provena Health — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CST

Provena Saint Joseph looks to be ‘hospital that people look up to’ By Janet Lundquist, as seen in the Herald News, December 3, 2011

The helicopter pad on the roof of Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center was once used primarily for transporting critically ill patients to other hospitals for more advanced care. Now, it’s primarily a landing pad for incoming patients in need of advanced care.

The hospital’s growth in expertise over the last few years, especially in cardiology, pediatrics and neuroscience, have made the hospital a regional tertiary facility — a hospital that takes critical or complex cases from other hospitals when a patient needs more advanced care.

“That

Surgeon Undergoes Procedure to Repair Dangerous Aneurysm

Provena Health — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:00:00 CST

Surgeon undergoes procedure to repair dangerous aneurysm as seen in Herald News By Jeanne Millsap (with correction), November 15, 2011

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center orthopedic surgeon Dr. William Farrell has performed hundreds of surgeries over his career through his practice at Parkview Musculoskeletal Institute, but four years ago, he went under the knife himself in an emergency open-heart surgery to save his life. It was a turn-around and a new perspective for the surgeon, and an experience he will never forget.

It was a cold day in December when Farrell had his surgery to repair a dissecting thoracic aortic aneurysm and to replace a valve, but it took him more than a week to make the decision to have a new pain checked out. Physicians, it seems, can be much like their patients when it comes to taking health changes seriously. “Doctors do

Honoring National Prematurity Awareness Month

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

Born 12 weeks premature, Makayla was 2 lbs. 14 oz. and her younger sister, by one minute, was 2 lbs. 11 oz. They both went home during National Prematurity Awareness Month®.

During their six-week stay in Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center’s Special Care Nursery (SCN) both girls gained nearly 2 lbs and achieved all of their “going home” milestones ahead of schedule.

Shobhana Ravikumar, MD, Neonatologist said, “Both girls are doing remarkably well given their size and gestational age. I know they will bring as much joy to the family as they have for the nursery staff at PSJMC.”

A Great Way to Honor the Day

November is Prematurity Awareness Month® and Nov. 17 is Prematurity Awareness Day. The March of Dimes focuses the nation’s attention on working together for stronger, healthier ba

Spotted on Veterans' Day at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center

Provena Health — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:00:00 CST

Patient Crochets Caps for Soldiers

While in the inpatient Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation unit at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center, Jean Herbst, utilized her time crocheting caps for soldiers between physical therapy sessions. “They just make it more comfortable for our soldiers under those helmets,” said the 75 year-old. Her mother taught her to crochet many years ago, but a little more than a decade ago, Mrs. Herbst decided to use her talent and time for the benefit of the young men and women serving our country. She makes neck scarves and the caps and donates them to Operation Care Package. “I just have a soft spot in my heart for the young people in the military. Without them, we would not have what we have right now in this country.” Following knee replacement surgery, Mrs. Herbst chose to stay at PSJMC to concentrate on therapy in the Emergency Department or visit Immediate Care? Urgent Care Awareness Week has been established to help you figure it out.

Provena Immediate Care – Plainfield will celebrate Urgent Care Awareness Week - November 14 - 20, to help build an understanding of when to choose Immediate Care rather than going to the Emergency at the hospital.

“In any suspected life-threatening situation, there should be no question. Call 911 and get to the Emergency Department at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center or the nearest hospital,” explains Pete Peterson, director of Ambulatory Services, PSJMC. “But when an emergency visit is not necessary, it is often quicker and less expensive to visit Immediate Care, and the patient receives the same high-quality care.”

As a matter of fact, at Provena Immediate Care in Plainfield

CEO Hughes Announces Executive Team Changes

Provena Health — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:00:00 CST

Saint Joseph Medical Center Names New Leadership

New CEO Announced Executive Team Changes

When Beth Hughes took the helm at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center in September, the former Chief Operating Officer, had visions to grow the services offered by Provena’s flagship hospital. In order to set her goals in motion, the new President and CEO of Will County’s largest employer, set the course by announcing new leadership roles. Two of those involved promotions and largely expanded responsibilities.

Stevens Named Chief Operating Officer

Amy S

The NeuroScience Institute at Provena Offers World-Class Care for the Brain...

Provena Health — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:00:00 CST

Saint Joseph Provena Offers World-Class Neuro Care, as seen in the Sun Times, Oct. 27, 2011

Opened this year, the NeuroScience Institute at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center (PSJMC) has assembled leading specialists in neurology, neurosurgery and neuroendovascular intervention to provide the region’s most advanced care for the brain, spine and nervous system.

From diagnosis through rehabilitation, the Institute offers the high-quality neuroscience care found at Chicago’s major academic medical centers, including access to clinical trials. In fact, many of the institute’s specialists hold faculty positions at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

“In addition to providing the highest level neuroscience services, we also are committed to respect, compassion and responsiveness,” explains Beth Hug

CBS Features Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Mammogram Parties

Provena Health — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:00:00 CST

CBS Features Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Mammogram Party

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center has been hosting mammogram parties for a year now. The innovative program started last October to encourage women who delayed annual appointments because of fear to get their annual screenings.

The most recent mammogram party aired on CBS News at 10 p.m. on October 24. Participants get free manicures, mini- massages and enjoy refreshments while they wait for their mammogram. They also learn about breast self exams and the importance of early detection. They enjoy the camaraderie and relaxing enviro

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Named #1 for Neurosciences

Provena Health — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:00:00 CST

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Named #1 for Neurosciences by HealthGrades

Ranking Includes Stroke Care and Neurosurgery

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center was named “tops” in Illinois for Neurosciences. In a report released by HealthGrades, the nation’s most trusted, independent source of physician information and hospital quality ratings, St. Joes Medical Center’s combined ranking for neurosurgery and stroke care placed it as the best Neuroscience program in the state.

“With the opening of our new physical NeuroScience Institute, it is especially significant to receive recognition for the program started here several years ago,” said Beth Hughes

Relax, Have a Cookie, Get a Screening

Provena Health — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:00:00 CST

Relax, have a cookie, get a screening - as seen in the Chicago Tribune, Oct. 19 By Mary Owen, Tribune reporter

Judy Wiersema knew she was four years overdue for her mammogram, but she always found an excuse to postpone.

She was able to overcome her fear and procrastination, however, when she read about a Joliet hospital hosting a mammogram party. Women waiting to be screened could also get a free massage and a manicure.

"I can't afford a manicure or a massage," said Wiersema, 72, of Channahon, who relies on a monthly Social Security stipend. "When this came up, I said, 'Whoa, this is fabulous.'"

Provena St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet has sponsored six mammogram parties in the last year as part of its effort to create a less stressful environment and encourage women to get the screening. Anne Marie Murphy, executive director of the Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force, said mammogram parties are just one way to draw women in. In poore

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center's Cardiovascular/Pulmonary Rehabilitati...

Provena Health — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:00:00 CST

Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center is proud to announce the certification of its Cardiovascular/Pulmonary rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). PSJMC was recognized for its commitment to improving the quality of life by enhancing standards of care.

Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g. heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, etc.) and pulmonary problems (e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – COPD, respiratory symptoms, etc.) recover faster and improve their quality of life. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.

The Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center’s Cardiovascular/Pulmonary rehabilitation program participated in the one month application process which requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. The AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-reviewed ac

Provena Health Again Recognized as a Top Technology Innovator

Provena Health — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:00:00 CST

The Provena Health Information Services team was recognized as a Top Innovator by InformationWeek 500 at a ceremony held on September 13, 2011. Pictured left to right are John Romeo, System Manager, Enterprise Network and John Lynch, Chief Information Officer.

For the second year in a row, Provena Health has been named to the InformationWeek 500, a prestigious annual listing of the nation’s most innovative users of business technology. The health system is recognized for its innovative work to design, build and efficiently migrate data system

Therapy Designed for Children

Provena Health — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:00:00 CST

Therapy designed for children as seen in The Herald-News September 14, 2011 By Jeanne

Most adults have gone through or will go through some form of physical therapy in their lifetimes. But adult PT can be an entirely different matter than pediatric therapy. The same muscles have to be strengthened and the same tendons and ligaments stretched, but the methods and psychology used differ in a big way.

“You definitely have to have a creative mind,” said Jennifer Zeng, a doctorate physical therapist who specializes in pediatric therapy at Provena Rehabilitation and Sports Injury Center. “We use a lot of play-based therapies.”

Different activities Zeng explained that to work the same group of muscles, she might give an adult a series of exercises, whereas she would put a child on a therapeutic swing and have him catch a ball while swinging. If squats are called for, a physical therapist would have an adult do 30 squat repetitions. She might have a young patie

US News Named 31 Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Physicians "Top Docs"

Provena Health — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:00:00 CST

US News Named 31 Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Physicians "Top Docs"

When US News &World Report released its list of "Top Doctors" this month, Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center executives were not surprised but were proud to claim 31 medical staff members among those in this highly acclaimed group.

"We already knew that our physicians are among the best in the state," said Beth Hughes, President and CEO of Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center. "We applaud all our physicians who provide the highest quality care to our patients each and every day. We are gratified to see this type of third-party recognition, and congratulate each of our fine physicians who have been named to the list."

Along with their individual recognition, Provena St. Joes was listed as high-performing in nine specialties. “This is an accomplishment that i