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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 2009 second quarter winners of the Spirit of Service Awards at OSF Saint Anthony for the quarter ending March 30, 2009, were:
Communication: Larry Brown, Infection ControlRespect and Dignity: Kathy Reed, Respiratory Services
Safety: Dustin Collins, Lifeline Ambulance
The manager award was presented to Vicki Kirnberger, radiology, OSF Center for Health – Rock Cut.
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Autism Explored During OSF Saint Anthony Women's Program
The OSF Saint Anthony Regional Heart Institute is presenting the Women's Program, "Autism Overview" at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2009, in the OSF Saint anthony Medical Center atrium. Lori Davie, coordinator for The Autism Program (TAP) Service Center located at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, and Colleen Shin, training specialist/manager of TAP Service Centers, will discuss the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) ASD and provide information on treatment strategies, resources and support available to families living with ASD.
Light refreshments will be served. The program is free, but reservations are required by calling 815-395-5493.
OSF Saint Anthony Volunteers: Honored For Dedicated Service
In observance of National Volunteer Week, April 19-25, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center will host special events for volunteers throughout the week. Service awards for both years and career hours given to the Medical Center will also be presented throughout the 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 have gone above and beyond by giving 400 hours or more in the course of one calendar year.
| John Bergstrom |
Rosemary Kwilosz | Jim McHugh |
Ethel Wallace |
| Bill Dixon | Peggy Leahy | Nancy Peterson | Gerry Feldhake |
| Alice Lundeen |
Wanda Schroeder |
Awards will also be presented to volunteers who have given a number of hours throughout their years at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center.
Career Hours
13,000 hours: Gloria Fiorenza
7500 hours: Pat Harold, and Peggy Leahy
6000 hours: Madeline Baldwin, Joan Gendron, Rose Mary Highland, Elizabeth Hooper, and John Rogers.
5500 hours: Bev Voorhees, Ethel Wallace and Joan Webber.
3500 hours: Doris Latham, Jim McHugh, and Rose Mary Spreitzer.
3000 hours: Rita Key
2500 hours: Barbara Berg, Gerry Feldhake, Pat Gendron, and Bonnie Lemmons.
2000 hours: Shirley Bartelson, Rosemary Kwilosz, Alice Lundeen, Judith McGeary, Leda Nevler, Nancy Peterson, and Sonya Rice.
1500 hours: Elsie Carlson, Bill Dixon, Fred Johnson, Roberta McNames, John Monahan, Pat Smith, and Gardenia VanKessel.
1000 hours: Trish Barr, Caroline Frantz, Rena French, Fran Meadows, Dick Meadows, David Minakes, Barbara Nicholson, Dick Reesor, Elaine Scarbrough, Jo Stewart, Pat VanDyke, Diane Zimmanck and Dick Zimmanck.
500 hours: Tony Abene, Kathleen Benson, John Bergstrom, Sue Caswell, Doreen DiGangi, Lynn Hallberg, Lori Heffelfinger, Joyce Hehir, Dianne Heidemann, Luba Kadlicko, Marilyn Keyes, Norma Thomas, Jan Thorne, Mary Vigliano, and Bill Wright.
200 hours (Junior award): Jessica Dobson and Hannah Landenberger.
100 hours: Sharon Abraham, Linda Agustsson, John Benink, David Cerutti, June Dilling, Carolyn Fiduccia, Ashton Hanes, Steve Kass, Judy Kemp, Alexandra Kush, Anna Kwan, Bruce Lozzio, Judy Mehren, Carol Michelbrink, Julie Otts, Courtney Peterson, Jack Schnepper, Hildegarde Theisen, and Gene Wartgow.
Years Of Service
25 Years: Mary Bonavia , Helga Dehne, Rose Mary Highland, and Joan Webber
20 Years: Karena Carlstrom Tom Gentry and Dorothy Parker
15 Years: Bev Voorhees
10 Years: Roger Nemetz, Pat Smith, Rosemarie Weller, and Stokley Wilder.
5 Years: Colleen Baranowski, Dianne Brimstein, Diana Carter, Mike Hoss, Donna Leason, David Minakes, and Barbara Nicholson.
In 2008, OSF Saint Anthony volunteers devoted over 35,000 hours to our Medical Center. This is equal to over $690,000, according to the Association for Volunteer Administration (AVA).
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 a year 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.
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 Neurosciences 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 five 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 "Lose 10 Pounds in 10 Weeks"
The OSF Saint Anthony Center for Sports Medicine and Health Fitness offers a program called "Lose 10 Pounds in 10 Weeks."
Designed to teach participants healthy lifestyle changes and to ultimately lose 10 pounds in 10 weeks, the program begins with a weigh-in and classes on Mondays at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the OSF Center for Health, 5510 East State Street in Rockford.
Program members are asked to keep and turn in a weekly food diary and exercise log, and they then will receive recommendations based on their logs and diaries. The 10 sessions include informative lectures on such topics as resting metabolic rate, exercise at home, fats, proteins and carbohydrates, reading labels, vitamins and supplements, dining out, flexibility and wellness for life.
The fee for the 10 week-program is $100 for OSF Health Fitness members and $150 for non-members. The fee includes unlimited use of the fitness center. If two people ("buddies") register together, they receive a $10 discount on each registration. The buddies do not need to attend the same class time to receive the discount. Class size is limited.
For more information 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 Opens
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.
On October 16, 2008, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center opened the OSF Wound Healing Center in the Northern Illinois Medical Arts building, located at 5668 E. State Street, Suite 1500, to offer the community state-of-the-art specialized wound healing care.
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 Open
Java City, a coffee shop located in what was formerly the storage room for the Gift Shop, features favorite espresso drinks and smoothies, in addition to ready-made sandwiches and salads, bottled beverages and bakery items. Some seating is provided for customers.
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 until July 20, 2008. 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 19th In Integrated Care
For the 10th 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 54th 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 and Charity Assistance
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