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OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Presents “Spirit Of Service” Awards
OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center implemented “Spirit of Service” Awards to recognize on a monthly basis those individuals who excel in displaying actions above and beyond expectations in its “Community of Caregivers.” OSF staff and volunteers may be nominated by their peers for this prestigious award, and recipients serve as role models of service excellence.
Winners selected from the total nominations submitted are announced each month. Then, every quarter the committee chooses top winners in each category from the previous three months. The quarterly award winners are recognized during a director/manager meeting and receive a certificate signed by David Schertz, OSF Saint Anthony president and CEO, and a gift certificate.
The fiscal year 2010 second quarter winners of the Spirit of Service Awards at OSF Saint Anthony for the quarter ending March 31, 2010, were:
Respect and Dignity
Roger Williams, Floor Care Tech/Finish, Environmental Services
Team Player
Doris Latham, Guest Info Specialist, Guest Relations
Problem Solving
Pat Smith, Volunteer, Volunteer Services
Julie Palmer, RN, surgery, was presented with the Manager Award for Stewardship.
The department award recipient was the OSF Saint Anthony Print Shop, which was recognized with the Team Player award.
Balance & Dizziness Explored During OSF Saint Anthony Community Health Program
The multiple causes of and treatments for balance problems and dizziuness will be discussed during the free OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Community Health Program to be held on Wednesday, August 18, 2010, at the Medical Center.
The program begins at 5 p.m. with free health screenings.
Light refreshments will be served.
The program is free, but reservations are requested by calling OSF Saint Anthony cardiovascular services at 815-395-5493.
OSF Saint Anthony Volunteers: Honored For Dedicated Service
In observance of National Volunteer Week, April 18-24, 2010, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center hosted a number of special events for volunteers. A highlight is the announcement of service awards given to volunteers for both the years and career hours they have given to the Medical Center. The following volunteers received awards during Volunteer Week:
400 Club:
OSF volunteers are asked to give at least 100 hours of service annually. More than one-third of the volunteers generously gave over 200 hours. A very special group of volunteers far exceed the service hours requested. The 400 club is awarded to those volunteers who give 400 hours or more in the course of one calendar year.
Barbara Berg Jodi Kast Nancy Peterson
John Bergstrom Rosemary Kwilosz Wanda Schroeder
Bill Dixon Alice Lundeen Ethel Wallace
Judy Gruner Julie Otts
President's Call to Service Award
The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation (the Council) was established in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities and to encourage more people to serve.
The Council created the President's Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service.
The President's Call to Service Award recognizes individuals who have achieved 4,000 or more cumulative hours of volunteering in their lifetimes.
At OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, Mavis Arends and Jim McHugh were honored with President's Call to Service Awards.
Career Hours:
Awards were also presented to volunteers who have given a number of hours throughout their years at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center.
8000 hours: Peggy Leahy
6000 hours: Doris VanDerZwalm and Ethel Wallace
5500 hours: Karena Kay Carlstrom and Dorothy Parker
4000 hours: Mavis Arends and Jim McHugh
3000 hours: Barbara Berg, Kathryn Durstock and Nancy Peterson
2500 hours: Ron Coffman, Gene Czerniak, Rosemary Kwilosz and Alice Lundeen
2000 hours: Bill Dixon, Fred Johnson, John Monahan and Margaret Reesor
Hours for Junior Volunteers
300 hours: Jessica Dobson
100 hours: Kelsey Crocker, Brianna Markgraf and Lisa Mihelich
Years of Service:
OSF Saint Anthony volunteers cited for their years of continuous service include:
25 years: Marion Gentry
20 years: Madeline Baldwin and Margaret Roling
15 years: Jane Hinkle, Betty Palmer and Rose Mary Spreitzer
10 years: Gene Czerniak and Bonnie Lemmons
In 2009, OSF Saint Anthony volunteers devoted over 37,000 hours to the Medical Center. This is equal to over $759,000, according to the Association for Volunteer Administration (AVA).
Just a few ways volunteers at OSF Saint Anthony serve include helping families in the surgical waiting room; greeting and escorting patients and visitors; delivering flowers and mail; assisting with filing and mailings; and participating in the Animal Assisted Therapy program.
Volunteers are always needed at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. Those who are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities should call 815-395-5064.
Personal Trainers & Classes: Helping You Reach Fitness Goals Safely
At one time, if you had a personal trainer, you were probably a professional athlete or Hollywood star. But now we recognize that almost everyone can benefit from the expertise of a fitness professional.
If you have a sports injury, are preparing for a particular sport, want to get back in shape after having a baby, or just want to tone up, our personal trainers can help."
Unique to the OSF program is that all personal trainers are degreed, certified, exercise physiologists who understand that everyone's needs are different. Some people might want to improve muscle tone and balance; others to lose weight; and others to increase flexibility or endurance-but they may not be sure how to safely and effectively reach those goals.
Current Health Fitness members can arrange for a personal trainer. After a fitness level assessment and health history, the trainer can tailor a program that safely and realistically meets your needs and goals.
A special "New Member" evaluation, which includes four sessions with a personal trainer, is $99. Sessions can also be divided into half-hour segments.
Under the "buddy" option, two people can benefit from the same personal trainer at the same time, with reduced rates. Membership at the OSF Center for Health Fitness is required to arrange for a personal trainer.
Health Fitness membership packages include an initial evaluation, risk factor assessment, equipment demonstration, use of the facility amenities-and more.
For more information, call 815-395-4591.
OSF Specialty Clinic Located on Featherstone
More than two years ago, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Opened the OSF Specialty Clinic- Guilford Square located at 698 Featherstone Road, Rockford. The clinic specialty practices include otorhinolaryngology (ENT), allergy, dermatology, plastic surgery and audiology.
The Specialty Clinic is also part of the OSF Saint Anthony Balance and Dizziness Center team, which includes an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) physician, a neurologist, audiologists, physical therapists and other healthcare professionals.
The team works together to determine what is causing dizziness symptoms or balance problems and determines the appropriate treatment is for your specific needs.
Our services include testing for problems in the inner ear, evaluation for physical therapy and treatment to improve balance.
The OSF Balance and Dizziness Center also incorporates the NeuroCom Balance Manager System to evaluate and track progress.
The OSF Saint Anthony Balance and Dizziness Center also participates in the FallProofTM Program, a fee-based program designed to improve safety and independence.
This program helps many people move from formal therapy to after-care.
OSF Saint Anthony Physicians First in the Area to perform Radiosurgery
Radiation oncologists at the OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care and neurosurgeons affiliated with the OSF Illinois Neurological Institute collaborated to offer a specialized form of radiation therapy called stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to patients with brain tumors. This type of treatment provides very precise radiation delivered in a single session so that the target is irradiated, sparing normal tissue.
Stereotactic radiosurgery consists of the administration of multiple beams of radiation to small, often difficult, and inaccessible lesions, thereby avoiding lengthy and dangerous conventional surgery and treating otherwise untreatable lesions in a single outpatient session.
Stereotactic radiosurgery involves three dimensional treatment planning and computerized calculations of multiple radiation beams. Patients undergoing this surgery need to be precisely targeted and immobilized so that the high doses can be achieved with pinpoint accuracy, preventing damage to surrounding tissue.
Benefits of the new procedure include providing treatment for previously inaccessible tumors, avoiding incisions in the skull, decreased risk of infection and quicker recovery time.
Illinois Hospitals Contribute Billions In Benefits To Their Communities
According to a report issued by the Illinois Hospital Association, Illinois hospitals contributed benefits of almost $3.7 billion in programs and services in their fiscal year 2004-05 to their communities. "Illinois Hospitals Helping Their Communities: It's About More Than Just the Numbers," highlights the many and varied ways Illinois hospitals contribute to their communities by meeting specific local needs and improving the quality of people's lives.
The report provides more than two dozen stories from Illinois hospitals that demonstrate the variety and diversity of the services the state's hospitals provide to their communities, as well as selected facts and stats on Illinois hospitals. To see the full report visit http://www.ihatoday.org/.
OSF Saint Anthony Receives Medal For Organ Donation Program
For six years in a row, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center earned a U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Medal of Honor for Organ Donation.
To earn a Medal of Honor, hospitals must achieve at least a 75 percent donation rate, far higher than the current national average of 60 percent.
The Medal of Honor is part of the national organ donation initiative launched April 2001 by former HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson.
In the letter informing OSF Saint Anthony of its Medal of Honor Award, Anthony M. D'Alessandro, MD, executive director of the University of Wisconsin Organ Procurement Organization, wrote, "It is a pleasure to collaborate with your hospital to provide the opportunity for organ donation as a part of your compassionate end-of-life care for patients and families. Your ongoing commitment to implementing best practices surrounding organ donation and creating a supportive and caring environment for grieving families is evident."
At OSF Saint Anthony, steps such as adding a question related to organ donation on admission forms and training the healthcare staff on compassionately approaching family members have helped increase donations.
In addition, OSF Saint Anthony formed an Organ Donation Committee in January 2007, which includes members from Neuro/Trauma ICU, pastoral care, the Critical Care Center, respiratory therapy, the Emergency Department and surgery.
OSF Center for Health Fitness Offers Classes for Seniors
The OSF Saint Anthony Center for Sports Medicine and Health Fitness offers several programs for those ages 50 or better.
The Senior Aerobics classes are held from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the OSF Center for Healtrh, 5510 East State in Rockford.
To attend the classes, participants must purchase a punch card. The cost is $54 for 18 classes for OSF Center for Health Fitness members (only $3 per class) and $67 for 18 punches for those who are not members.
Registration is limited to the first 20 people. The class is designed to keep participants engaged in the aerobics activities and safe.
“Golden Motion,” a conditioning fitness program for seniors, is held twice a week at the OSF Center for Health.
Golden Motion classes are held from 2 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The first part of the class offers individual gym time, and the second part is an instructor-led class.
Fees are $54 for 12 classes for OSF Health Fitness members (only $4.50 per hour) and $67 for non-members (approximately $5.60 per class).
Golden Motion classes are designed to increase endurance, strength, balance and flexibility. Classes are led by an exercise physiologist to ensure safety and effectiveness for the participants.
The OSF Center for Health Fitness also offers Safety & Self-Defense classes, children's Tae-Kwan-Do and personal trainers.
For more information, dates and registration, call 815-395-4591.
OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care Offers Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Class
Women who have never been diagnosed with breast cancer but may have a moderate to high risk for developing the disease are invited to a Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Class to be held in the library at the OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care. Classes are held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month. For more information or to register please call 815-227-2618.
In addition to increasing age, risk factors for developing breast cancer include having a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, especially if diagnosed at an early age, or carrying flawed versions of certain genes that have been linked to breast cancer. Women who have been diagnosed with precancerous breast changes, such as atypical hyperplasia, are also at increased risk. Recent studies show that the risk of breast cancer in high-risk women can be reduced with the use of certain anti-estrogen medication.
Women who are concerned about their chance of developing hereditary breast cancer can now use the "Pedigree Assessment Tool" (PAT) that Dr. Hoskins and his colleague developed for identifying women at high risk for hereditary breast cancer syndrome. Click here to access the PAT.
Class size is limited, and registration is required. For registration and information, call 815-227-2618.
OSF Wound Healing Center Receives Recognition
The traditional folk wisdom that time heals all wounds may not pertain in all cases, particularly in people who have diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, have compromised immune systems or have suffered severe burns.
Without advanced therapies, some wounds can take years and even decades to heal, while others that do not respond to treatment may, in extreme cases, lead to amputation.
The OSF Wound Healing Center was recognized as a "Front Runner" by OSF Saint Anthony partner, National Healing Corporation, in March 2010. This is the equivalent of a "President's Club" honor. The OSF Wound Healing Center received the recognition for attaining 100 percent-plus of its targets/goals. The OSF Center also achieved 100 percent of all clinical indicators as well.
In addition, the Center had a record number of patient visits and a record number of hyperbaric oxygen units, the highest since the Center opened in October 2008 in the State and Roxbury building.
To establish the center, OSF Saint Anthony partnered with Florida-based National Healing Corporation, which manages wound healing centers nationwide with an average healing rate of 85 percent attained in 12 to16 weeks of therapy. Although the centers treat patients with chronic and advanced conditions that have not responded to previous therapies, the rate of limb amputation for non-responsive wounds is less than two percent.
Likely candidates for treatment are those suffering from diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections, compromised skin grafts and flaps, and wounds that haven't healed within 30 days. The center's hyperbaric oxygen chambers can also be used to treat patients suffering from such uncommon ailments as cyanide poisoning, gangrene, carbon monoxide poisoning, brown recluse spider bites and the "bends," or decompression sickness.
Patients covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance plans may self-refer to the OSF Wound Healing Center. However, one of the center's missions is to build relationships with patients' primary care physicians.
One of the highly specialized treatments offered at the center is hyperbaric oxygen therapy which works by surrounding the patient with 100 percent oxygen at higher than normal atmospheric pressure. This increases the amount of oxygen in the patient's blood and, in the case of wounds, allows red blood cells to pass more easily through the plasma into the wound to heal it from the inside out. Diabetic foot wounds are an excellent example of wounds that may benefit most from this type of treatment.
Relaxing on a bed encased within a large see-through plastic shell, patients can watch movies on televisions and VCR players mounted above the chamber while hearing the movies and conversing with others outside the chamber through a speaker system. The only physical sensation resulting from the treatment is a slight pressure on the eardrum, such as that felt when a plane lands, as the air in the chamber is compressed.
In addition to tissue oxygenation, the OSF Wound Healing Center also provides vascular studies, tissue culturing and pathology, revascularization, skin grafting, and clinical or surgical debridement.
For information and appointments, contact the OSF Wound Healing Center at 815-484-7330.
Center For Cancer Care Offers Advanced Radiation Therapy
The OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care offers astereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), Mammosite for the treatment of some breast cancer tumors, brachytherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer and Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) as part of its radiation oncology capabilities. It was the first facility in Rockford to offer these advanced technologies for cancer treatment.
The exceptional level of accuracy of SRS and IGRT minimize positioning uncertainty. Traditionally, radiation oncologists compensated for changes in the tumor location or the patient's breathing patterns by treating a margin of healthy tissue around the tumor. The guidance system enables physicians to precisely locate the tumor to minimize the amount of healthy tissue that is exposed to radiation.
The OSF Center for Cancer Care uses the image guidance system manufactured by Varian Medical Systems, which is known for sophisticated, leading-edge technology in radiation treatment delivery. The on-board imaging system allows for adjustment to the slightest variance in the tumor's position, even compensating for the patient's breathing, weight change or tumor movement.
Stereotactic radiosurgery is a method of delivering high doses of ionizing radiation to small intracranial targets. This type of cancer treatment involves very precise radiation delivered in a single session so that the desired target is irradiated, sparing adjacent normal tissue. OSF Saint Anthony radiation oncologists will be collaborating with local neurosurgeons in the planning and delivery of this specialized form of radiation treatment.
Java City, Gift Shop Offer Unique Experience
In a relaxed atmosphere, Java City offers favorite espresso drinks and smoothies, in addition to ready-made sandwiches and salads, bottled beverages and bakery items. Some seating is provided for customers.
The OSF Saint Anthony Gift Shop offers seasonal items, flowers, items for the home, special gifts, baby items and skin care products.
Java City and the Gift Shop are possible because of a very generous gift from the OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Auxiliary.
OSF Saint Anthony Becomes Designated "Alzheimer's Disease Primary Provider Site"
Whether memory lapses happen to you or a loved one, are disconcerting. When should you be concerned about "normal" forgetfulness versus memory impairment that might signal a serious problem? A few signs:
- Trouble completing routine tasks, such as brushing teeth or showering
- Inability to understand what is being said or what is written on a page
- Becoming lost in familiar places or a few blocks from home
- Exercising poor judgment, such as dressing inappropriately for the weather.
As the designated "Alzheimer's Disease Primary Provider Site" for the Northern Illinois Region, the OSF Memory Disorders Center provides evaluations, testing, education and resources for patients and their families dealing with memory disorders.
The Center also works with the patient's physician for diagnostic tests or medications and helps patients and families find community resources, such as day care, home health, and financial assistance.
For information or an appointment, call 815-387-1717.
Hospitalist Team Provides 24-Hour Inpatient Care
The hospitalist service at OSF Saint Anthony consists of acute-care physicians trained in internal medicine who manage the care of hospitalized patients. They coordinate the care of adult patients with local primary care physicians who use the hospitalist service, those who do not have a primary care physician, and patients from outside the area who do not have a local primary care physician. The service is available 24 hours a day.
Laboratory Earns CAP Accreditation
The main clinical laboratory at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center and its satellites, the OSF Saint Anthony "A" building laboratory 5713 Strathmoor Drive, and the OSF laboratory at Southridge Immediate Care, have all been awarded the prestigious accreditation granted by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP). The accreditations were granted based on the results of recent on-site inspections. Under the direction of David S. Laib, MD, the laboratories were recognized for providing quality laboratory services.
In the letter informing OSF Saint Anthony of the accreditations, the OSF Saint Anthony laboratories were congratulated for the "excellence of the services being provided." The OSF Saint Anthony Laboratories are part of a select group of laboratories that have been evaluated and found to be in compliance with the CAP accreditation standards-rigorous laboratory standards designed to help ensure quality patient care.
The CAP's program is the most respected and recognized accreditation program in the world and has long been considered the ‘gold standard' against which others are measured. Participation in the CAP accreditation process is voluntary.
Level I Trauma Re-designation Earned From IDPH
OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center has been re-designated by the Illinois Department of Public Health as a Level I Trauma Center for Emergency Medical Systems Region 1 in the State of Illinois. OSF Saint Anthony was found to be in substantial compliance with the rules and regulations governing Illinois Trauma Centers, and no deficiencies were documented, a major achievement. Deep appreciation is extended to all for the teamwork and commitment to excellence that has given our Medical Center such an honorable recognition. Thank you to everyone who participated and supports Trauma Services.
OSF HealthCare Ranked 16th In Integrated Care
For the 12th consecutive year OSF HealthCare has been ranked in the Top 100 IHNs among more than 580 integrated healthcare networks in the United States. Specifically, OSF HealthCare was ranked 16th by Verispan, a healthcare informatics joint venture firm, as reported in the February 4th issue of Modern Healthcare. OSF HealthCare includes OSF St. Francis Hospital, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, OSF Saint James - John W. Albrecht Medical Center, OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, OSF Saint Clare Home, OSF St. Mary Medical Center, OSF Holy Family Medical Center, OSF HealthPlans, OSF Medical Group, OSF Saint Francis, Inc., OSF Home Care, and OSF Healthcare Foundation.
"This ranking is more evidence that people in the Rock River Valley have access to healthcare services that are among the best in nation," said David Schertz, administrator and CEO of OSF Saint Anthony. OSF HealthCare provides state-of-the-art, compassionate care to more than 1.5 million people in the communities it serves. It is a non-profit, multi-state corporation operating five hospitals in Illinois and one in Michigan owned by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis in Peoria. In addition, OSF HealthCare consists of OSF HealthPlans, OSF Home Care, OSF Medical Group and OSF Saint Francis, Inc.
Cancer Center Earns Certificate Approval With Commendation
OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care has earned a Certificate of Approval with Commendation from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. This commendation is awarded to facilities that have voluntarily committed to meet the highest standards in diagnosing and treating cancer.
To earn the approval, the Center for Cancer Care underwent a rigorous evaluation and performance review. The award of the Certificate of Approval with Commendation assures people the Center for Cancer Care provides state-of-the-art services and technology; a multispecialty, team approach to treatment; information about clinical trials, education and support; and life-long patient follow-up.
Since 1995, experience, dedication and caring are the three words most associated with the Center for Cancer Care at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. The Center for Cancer Care is the region's leading provider of cancer care and hope. Services offered at the Center for Cancer Care include:
- Chemotherapy
- Antibiotic therapy
- Blood cell transfusions
- Hydration therapy
- External beam treatments
- High-dose rate brachytherapy
- Prostate seed implants
- Pain management
- Mammosite
- Research protocols
- Social services
- Nutrition support
- Financial counseling
- Pastoral care
- Support groups
- Educational materials
- Rehabilitation
- Billing & Charity Assistance
- Classes & Events
- Find a Physician
- Health Library
- News & Publications
- Physician Opportunities
- Ways to Give
- Children's Hospital of Illinois
- Center For Cancer Care
- Emergency Medical Services
- Foundation
- Illinois Neurological Institute
- Level I Trauma Center
- Quality of Care
- Cardiovascular Services
