May 15, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-
Contact: Carrie Boelens – Community Relations Coordinator (309) 852-7820
Becker’s Hospital Review, a respected national health care industry publication, has named OSF HealthCare Saint Luke Medical Center among its list of 67 Critical Access Hospitals to Know in 2019.
Critical access hospitals are in rural areas but offer 24/7 emergency care and have 25 or fewer inpatient beds. There are 1,349 CAHs located throughout the United States.
“We are so thrilled to be recognized by Becker’s for our quality and care, despite the unique challenges faced by rural hospitals including access to health care to meet community needs,” said Jackie Kernan, president of OSF HealthCare Saint Luke Medical Center. “I credit all of our dedicated Mission Partners (employees) for their willingness to collaborate and meet the many challenges of serving with the greatest care and love despite fewer economies of scale available at larger hospitals.”
Many hospitals featured on this list have been recognized for clinical quality and excellence in care delivery. Several have also earned the Hospital & Health Networks HealthCare's Most Wired award. According to the Becker’s announcement, “These hospitals have truly become pillars of their communities, providing access to healthcare for a broad population.”
Becker's Healthcare editors selected the hospitals based on awards and rankings from respected organizations including iVantage Health Analytics, The Chartis Center for Rural Health, the National Rural Health Association, CareChex, Healthgrades and Medicare star ratings. The team also considered the hospital's community impact and reputation for innovation.
OSF HealthCare Saint Luke Medical Center (Kewanee, Ill.). Celebrating its 100 birthday this year, OSF HealthCare Saint Luke Medical Center is one of the largest employers in Kewanee and is proud of its community impact. The hospital provides athletic training for Kewanee High School athletes and has provided 4,095 free flu immunizations for area school children in the past four years. Despite its small size, OSF HealthCare Saint Luke has kept pace with innovation in health care, including a full replacement facility that opened in 2008. OSF HealthCare Saint Luke has been honored by both the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network as well as Press Ganey.