Over the years, hospital food has typically gotten a negative wrap—but not at Silver Cross.  That’s because the Nutrition Services Department listens to patients and other customers to improve the dining experience.  When Silver Cross moves to I-355 and Route 6 in New Lenox on Feb. 26, 2012, patients, visitors and staff alike will get a taste of just what this new facility will offer including personalized service, expanded menu choices, beautiful dining area and two quaint coffee shops.

Inpatient Meal Service
The best way to describe the patient-family centered care enhancements on Silver Cross Hospital’s inpatient units is more personalized service.  In the new hospital, a menu clerk or host/hostess will be assigned to each patient and not only take the order but also follow it through to make sure that everything is to the patient’s satisfaction.  This includes assembling and delivering trays to patients. 

“This is a best practice at other hospitals throughout the country and allows our Nutrition Services staff member servicing patients to have more ownership over the outcome and presentation of the meals,” said Chuck Zuehlke, Director of Nutrition Services at Silver Cross.  “We will be able to provide an unrivaled healthcare experience while still serving a delicious and nutritious meal to patients.”

The state-of-the-art kitchen has been designed so that the trays will be assembled in pods instead of on a line.  This set-up will let us easily transition to a room-service model in the future.  Food will be placed on all new serving dishes that have a special heat-on-demand system allowing food to remain at the appropriate temperature as it is being delivered to the patient.   And of course, the meals will continue to be healthy and tasty!

Modern Dining Room & Outside Patio
One of the main highlights in the new hospital is the attractive 2-story dining room and outside patio on the Lower Level.  With an expanded seating capacity of 215, the cafeteria and dining room is easily accessible via elevator or staircase from the main Lobby and also from Pavilion A.  Although the hours of operation have not changed (open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.), the selection definitely has.  In addition to the usual fare, patrons will be able to choose from a brick-oven pizza and pasta station, charbroiled grill with made to order breakfast entrees and sandwiches, and chef display station featuring stir fry and specialty sandwiches.  There is also a homemade bakery case and expanded beverage cooler. 

“Once you have made your selection, you can pay with cash, credit card or gift card,” says Chuck.

 An abundance of restaurant-style seating is available inside and outside and is adorned with plants and interesting artwork from local designers.  Dee Rabenu, Nutrition Services Aide, can’t wait for the new dining room and all the natural light that will stream in.  “I am looking forward to everything being brand new including the items we will be able to offer on the grill and brick oven pizza station.”

Coffee Shops
Probably the largest patient, visitor and staff satisfier is the addition of a charming coffee shop in the new hospital serving Starbucks-brand beverages.  Pastries, salads, snacks, and deli-sandwiches will also be available.  The Coffee Shop is located in the main Lobby and will be open from Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.  There will also be select seating inside.

“Due to overwhelming demand from emergency patients, visitors, and our staff, we decided to keep the shop open 20 hours a day,” says Chuck.  “We wanted to provide these late-night folks with fresh, made-to-order options to compliment what is already offered in the vending machines around the hospital.”

There will also be a coffee kiosk in the shared Lobby between Pavilion A and B.  The kiosk will be similar to Java City but have expanded hours.  Open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, this location will be convenient for outpatients, visitors, and the physician office staff in those buildings.

Silver Cross Hospital continues to set the standard for care in the region with new and enhanced partnerships, services and facilities. The 100 Top Hospital is gearing up to open a state-of –the-art 304 bed hospital at I-355 and Route 6 in New Lenox.  The new hospital is on schedule to open at 7 a.m. on February 26, 2012.

“This is an exciting time for healthcare in Will County,” said Paul Pawlak, President and CEO of Silver Cross Hospital.   Not only has the new medical campus creating over 1,000 local construction and healthcare jobs, but we are building on our seven-time 100 Top Hospitals performance to further enhance quality healthcare in the area.”

Each year, the 100 Top Hospitals National award is given to only 100 hospitals throughout the country that have achieved excellence across several areas—not just in one specialty like other awards.  This broad spectrum encompasses clinical outcomes, patient safety, patient satisfaction, financial performance and operational efficiency.  Only the highest performing hospitals are named to the 100 Top Hospitals list year after year.  In fact, Silver Cross is the only hospital in Illinois to win this award every year for the last 7 years.   The 100 Top Hospitals award is the most prestigious award a hospital can receive.

Relocating 100 Top Hospital Care
This month, Silver Cross will take possession of the new hospital to begin owner fit-up, train 3,000 caregivers, and install some of the most advanced medical and imaging technology available.  

“We are essentially taking our ‘100 Top Care’ and relocating it to a brand new 70 acre campus to make the patient-family experience even better,” adds Pawlak.

The impressive 6-story hospital is being built using evidence-based design, which has been proven to help in the healing process and contribute to a speedier recovery for patients.   Some of the many ways that evidence-based design has been integrated into the replacement hospital is with large, private patient rooms, natural and enhanced lighting, sound and noise control, more bedside care and dedicated family areas. 

“Even the carpet has been chosen to minimize noise and maximize rest,” says Pawlak.  “Every detail has been considered to speed patient recovery.”

Now Open on the New Lenox Campus
Patients can now experience many of the new healing elements in the Silver Cross Center for Women’s Health.  The spa-like Center is located in one of the two medical office buildings on the New Lenox campus and offers digital mammography, breast ultrasound, bone densitometry and heart screenings. Diagnostic test results are available the same day and screening results within just 24 hours.  And before a woman ever leaves the Center, she has the opportunity to consult with a board certified radiologist or meet with a certified breast health nurse to assist with the next steps in her care. Women can also see top-notch specialists from University of Chicago at the Center. 

The two-story medical building is also home to the Children’s Memorial Outpatient Center and several other primary and specialty care physician offices.

The second 5-story medical office building will open in early 2012 offering even more physician offices and  hospital outpatient services such as testing, dialysis, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, physical, occupational and speech therapy, sleep center, wound and diabetes care.

Partnerships with Top Academic Medical Centers
In addition to building a new hospital, Silver Cross has kept its promise to the community by expanding its partnership with Children’s Memorial to bring over 30 pediatric specialists to the New Lenox campus. And last year, Silver Cross teamed-up with the world-renowned Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago to manage all inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation care.  Most recently, Silver Cross joined forces with the University of Chicago Medical Center to open a $21.6 million outpatient cancer treatment center on the new campus.

“When the cancer center opens in spring of 2012, patients will soon have the best of both worlds,” said Pawlak. “Patients and their families will have convenient access to University of Chicago Medical Center’s cancer specialists and advanced therapies in a brand new facility close to home.

E! News host Giuliana Rancic recently revealed she was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. Considering she got the news at age 36, it begs the question: should you start your yearly mammograms before age 40?

As you saw in the video, pregnancy hormones can cause cancer to progress quicker in the body. So if you’re looking to have a baby, a mammogram is a must-have.

Most doctors still agree that yearly mammograms should begin at age 40, but it’s important to remember that you’re a unique individual with a unique family history and a unique medical background. Talk to your physician to see when your yearly mammograms should start.

With $100 mammograms and a wide range of resources (such as November 9’s Navigating Breast Cancer lecture), the Silver Cross Center for Women’s Health is the perfect place to take care of your annual mammogram.

Patsy Harris mingles with attendees at the annual diabetes fall fest

In honor of Diabetes Awareness month, the Silver Cross Diabetes Center will host its annual Diabetes Fall Fest on Saturday, November 12 from 8 a.m. to Noon.

“Since 1996, we have helped thousands of diabetics and their family members to live with this chronic disease, that if not cared for appropriately, could lead to heart disease, blindness and amputation,” says Patsy Harris, R.N., program director for the Silver Cross Diabetes Center.  “Holding our annual fall event is just one of the ways we are committed to improving the quality of life for our patients and the residents of the southwest suburbs living with diabetes.”

Diabetes information and product booths will open at 8 a.m. and participants can be screened for high blood pressure and cholesterol.  No fasting is required.  Between 8:30-11:30 there will be various physician led programs discussing Diabetes management, foot health, and eye care.  From 10:30 a.m. to Noon, Silver Cross chefs will hold healthy sugar-free cooking demonstrations.  Raffle prizes and refreshments will be available.  Diabetic participants will also receive a gift bag with samples of diabetes-related products. To register to attend, click here or call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).

The Will County Union of King’s Daughters and Sons will hold its annual Silver Belles Bazaar Saturday, Nov. 5, from 7:30 am. to 1:30 p.m. in the Silver Cross Hospital Cafeteria, located in the Francis Pavilion, 1200 Maple Rd., Joliet.  Admission is free.  Strollers are welcome. Handmade craft items, homemade baked goods and lunch will be available.

In addition, raffle tickets will be sold for $1 each or six for $5.  Prizes include a laptop computer, $500 cash, and spa, sport, and entertainment gift baskets.  The drawing will be held on Nov. 5 at 1:30 p.m.  Winner need not be present.

The Childerguild Gift Shop and Encore resale shop, located in the hospital, will also be open.

Proceeds from the Silver Belles Bazaar benefit the Silver Cross Renal Centers, the largest provider of dialysis services in Will and Grundy counties.  For more information, call Volunteer Services at Silver Cross Hospital at (815) 300-7117.

The Silver Cross Center for Women’s Health employees and thier families  participated in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Centennial Park Soccer Field in Orland Park on October 16.

“As breast health clinicians, we felt it was important to support the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk since we interact with many women daily educating them on their breast health and helping those with cancer fight the disease,” said Marci Vasiliades, Manager of the Silver Cross Center for Women’s Health. “We also wanted to help raise awareness for women to get their annual mammograms and support finding a cure for breast cancer.”

The 12th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk brings the entire community together to celebrate breast cancer survivors, educate women about the importance of reducing their cancer risk by getting their annual mammograms, and raise funds for lifesaving research and support programs to further fight against breast cancer.

 For the past fiveyears, Orland Park has hosted “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer,” a 5-kilometer noncompetitive walk, one of 12 held in the state of Illinois.

The Advisory Board of Silver Cross Hospital is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Encore “resale” Shop. Formed in 1891, the Advisory Board is also celebrating 120 years of service to Silver Cross Hospital—a 100 Top Hospital in the nation for the past 7 years.

In 1891, 15 women from Silver Cross Hospital’s founding organization—Will County Union of King’s Daughters and Sons, were chosen by the Silver Cross Hospital Board of Trustees to serve as the Board of Lady Managers. In 1935, they changed their name to the Advisory Board. Their mission was to raise money for construction and advise on the formation of the Joliet hospital, which opened in 1895. 

From the very first meeting on July 6, 1891, members were responsible for the internal management of the 33-bed hospital.  “At that time, the members made decisions on room furnishing, provisions, finance, nursing personnel, and even the doctors,” said Nancy Allen, Advisory Board President.  Whatever the hospital needed—an operating room cart, a washing machine or cash just to pay the bills, our members found the means to provide.”

A Legacy of Giving
In the early years, the Advisory Board begged cash everywhere they went:  at the steel mills, quarries, stores, offices, all through the county and even the penitentiary.  After many fund raising events, which included trolley donations, cake walks and even selling a donated horse, the Advisory Board opened a resale shop in 1961.  Called the Encore Shop, the thrift store was located in a two-story house on Walnut Street across from the current Joliet Emergency Department. Today, the Shop is still located on Walnut Street and just north of the Silver Cross Hospital’s Emergency Department.  The Shop is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Since opening the Encore Shop doors on Nov. 1, 1961, the Advisory Board has donated over $1 million to Silver Cross Hospital for state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.  The members recently completed a $75,000 pledge to fund the water feature in the Serenity Garden at the replacement hospital opening on February 26. 2012. 

“We like to think that our shop helps many people,” says Allen.  “The hospital coffers of course, those who buy our merchandise, those who have been hospitalized and because of accident or fire have lost their clothes, and those who are in the process of clearing their closet shelves.” 

Friends, family, hospital employees and the community keep the Encore Shop in business through contributions of clothing, household items, antiques and collectibles.
Fifty members volunteer their time to sell donated items. The current Advisory Board Officers are Nancy Allen, President; Kay Hegarty, Vice President; Roberta Rand, Second Vice President; Marilynn Plese, Recording Secretary;  Annie Cardwell, Corresponding Secretary;  Elaine Boros, Treasurer; and Kay Collins, Encore Shop Treasurer.
 
Celebration Planned
To celebrate the momentous occasion, members will gather for a luncheon on Nov 10 at Silver Cross Hospital. Past presidents will be honored and a $5,000 gift will be presented to Silver Cross.  In addition, special sales will be featured in the Encore Shop Nov. 1, 2, 4 and 5.  For more information, call contact Volunteers Services at Silver Cross Hospital at (815) 300-7117.

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Silver Cross Hospital has been re-certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) for the next three years. This certification recognizes those programs rigorously reviewed by a national board and found to meet strict requirements for standards of care. 

The goals of Silver Cross’ Cardiac Rehabilitation Program are to limit the physiological and psychological effects of cardiac disease; control cardiac symptoms; reduce the risk for sudden death or relapse; stabilize and/or enhance the patient’s condition; and improve the patient’s quality of life. Another significant aspect of this program teaches lifestyle modifications so heart patients can stop or at least slow the disease process.

“This certification tells our patients that we have all the components in place to provide excellent cardiac rehabilitation care,” said Brendan Casey, Manager of Cardiovascular Services at Silver Cross.

To achieve program certification, the hospital provided documentation on how patients are assessed, diet, risk factor assessment, and how to set up a plan of care. In addition, the AACVPR evaluated the hospital’s compliance with emergency procedures and preparedness, staff qualifications, patient education, and even the way cardiac monitoring equipment is maintained.  In addition, the AACVPR evaluated the hospital’s compliance with emergency procedures and preparedness, staff qualifications, patient education, and even the way cardiac monitoring equipment is maintained.

“The AACVPR was extremely thorough in their review of our program and we are thrilled to receive such an honor recognizing the high standard of care we provide to our patients,” said Casey.

Silver Cross’ experienced rehabilitation team is dedicated to helping patients regain their independence and reclaim a healthy, active lifestyle following a cardiac event. During phase 1 of the rehabilitation process, specialized nurses and exercise physiologists assist hospitalized patients with active and passive exercise programs and provide education on risk factor modification as an adjunct to the education provided by the staff nurses who care for them on the floor. In phase 2, patients go to the LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Cardiovascular Institute after discharge and participate in a closely supervised, 36-session workout program that involves cardiac exercise, strength training and stretching. In phase 3, patients begin an ongoing exercise program to maintain and improve their quality of life. Participation in Phase 2 & 3 requires a physician order.  For more information, call (815) 300-7053.

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Every day, women are living in shame and fear of their next urge because they don’t understand why this is happening. There is no need for embarrassment, urinary incontinence is common, in fact over 15 million American women deal with this condition every day.

“Urinary incontinence isn’t a disease, it’s a symptom,” says Dr. Dexter Arrington, obstetrics and gynecology physician on staff at Silver Cross Hospital. “It can be produced by everyday habits, underlying medical conditions or physical problems.”

Join Dr. Dexter Arrington, obstetrician/gynecologist, and Valerie Paluszak, pelvic therapy specialist, for a free women’s only program, Urinary Incontinence: It’s Not Normal At Any Age, on Tuesday, November 8 from 6:30 to7:30 p.m., to learn about the various treatment methods currently available for  urinary incontinence. This program will be held at the Silver Cross Center for Women’s Health, 1870 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox.  To register, click here or call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).

Watch Diane Jacoboski, Ultrasound Technician at the Silver Cross Center for Women’s Health, as she discusses the patient experience when recieving a digital mammogram at the Center.