Following a recent Peak Census notice, we saw there were questions about what that means — and why it happens.
Peak Census is very fluid. It reflects hospital conditions at a particular point in time and can change throughout the day based on patient volumes, available inpatient beds and the needs of patients currently being treated.
Yesterday, Anderson Hospital activated its Peak Census procedures due to a high volume of patients in our Emergency Department, including patients awaiting available inpatient beds. Today, we are no longer at Peak Census — a good example of how quickly hospital census can change.
Illinois hospitals are required to maintain procedures for managing peak census and surge capacity. At Anderson, we also choose to communicate our Peak Census status publicly because we want to be transparent with our patients and community when current volumes could result in longer-than-usual wait times.
Is something going around?
Our healthcare system typically sees an increase in patient visits this time of year as children return to school and seasonal illnesses begin circulating. That is not unusual. Yesterday’s Peak Census was not attributed to any one particular illness or trend.
For information about broader illness trends or potential surges in our area, the Madison County Health Department is the best resource for countywide public health information and surveillance.
We appreciate our community’s interest in understanding what Peak Census means. When we share these notices, our goal is simple: to keep our patients informed about current conditions so they know what they may experience when seeking care at that time.
🚧 CAMPUS TRAFFIC NOTICE: ROAD CLOSURE BEGINS AUGUST 26 🚧
🚧 CAMPUS TRAFFIC NOTICE: ROAD CLOSURE BEGINS AUGUST 26 🚧
Beginning WEDNESDAY, August 26, a portion of Hospital Road will be temporarily closed for asphalt work as part of ongoing improvements on the Anderson Hospital campus.
The important thing to know: Anderson Hospital and our campus will remain accessible throughout this work.
➡️ Only one campus access point will be closed.
➡️ All other campus entrances and access points will remain open and can be used as usual.
➡️ A temporary access point will be opened to provide employees, patients and visitors with continued access to the West Lot during the closure.
🚌 MCT BUS RIDERS: The MCT bus pick-up and drop-off location will also be temporarily relocated near Hospital Entrance 2 during the road closure. Please look for MCT signs directing you to the temporary bus stop.
📍 Please refer to the map below for an overview of the temporary traffic pattern.
The temporary West Lot access point and MCT bus stop will remain in place throughout the asphalt work. Once the work is complete, the temporary access will close and normal traffic patterns and bus service locations will resume.
We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we continue making improvements to our campus. Please use extra caution, watch for directional signage and allow a little additional time when traveling through the area.
Thank you for helping us keep our campus safe and accessible during construction!
Forty-five years is more than a career, it's a lifetime. When Dan began his journey at Anderson Hospital, our campus looked very different than it does today. Over the decades, he watched our organization grow from its original footprint into the healthcare campus our community knows now. But Dan did more than witness that growth, he helped make it possible.
From new buildings and renovations to countless behind-the-scenes improvements, Dan played an integral role in planning, preparing for and maintaining the spaces where exceptional patient care happens every day. As Director of Plant Operations, his work often went unnoticed by those outside the walls, yet nearly every department depended on his knowledge, steady leadership and willingness to answer the call, day or night.
While Anderson Hospital was growing, so was Dan. He built a career, a family and lifelong friendships alongside the hospital he faithfully served. His easygoing nature, quiet humility and collaborative spirit earned the respect of coworkers, contractors and everyone fortunate enough to work beside him. The list of people whose lives and careers were touched by Dan is undoubtedly a long one.
Outside of work, Dan has always found his greatest joy in the outdoors. Whether fishing, hunting or simply enjoying nature through every season, he has never been one to sit still for long. We have a feeling retirement will suit him just fine.
Dan, thank you for your extraordinary dedication, loyalty and service to Anderson Hospital. You are truly one of a kind, and your legacy will be felt for generations to come. You will be greatly missed.
Congratulations to Dan and his wife, Cathy, as they begin this well-earned new chapter together. We wish you both many years of happiness, adventure and, of course, plenty of time on the water.
As part of the continued evolution of services at the Warren Billhartz Cancer Center, Anderson Hospital is proud to offer the Anderson Hospital Infusion Suite. This outpatient service was established to ensure our community continues to have convenient access to many of the infusion and injection therapies patients have come to rely on—all in the familiar setting of the Warren Billhartz Cancer Center.
Located alongside Radiation Oncology, the Anderson Hospital Infusion Suite provides physician-ordered infusion and injection treatments for patients who are not receiving care through CCSI. Our experienced team is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care close to home. Patients will continue to be welcomed by the same caring professionals they know and trust, including infusion nurse Susan Stumpf, whose dedication has been a comforting presence for many throughout the years.
Services Available
The Anderson Hospital Infusion Suite provides a variety of outpatient infusion and injection therapies, including:
- Iron infusions
- Prolia®
- Reclast®
- Evenity®
- Gastroenterology (GI) infusion medications
- Neurology infusion medications
- IV antibiotics
- Additional physician-ordered infusion therapies
Referring physicians do not need to be members of the Anderson Hospital Medical Staff to order infusion treatments in the Anderson Hospital Infusion Suite.
Location
Warren Billhartz Cancer Center –
Route 162 Entrance
6836 State Route 162
Maryville, IL 62062
Hours
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Questions or Referrals
For appointments, referrals or questions, please contact the Anderson Hospital Infusion Suite:
Main Phone: (618) 391-6010
Fax: (618) 288-1261
Our previous fax number, (618) 288-9087, will also continue to receive referrals during the transition.
We are honored to continue serving our community by providing high-quality infusion and injection therapies in a comfortable, compassionate environment close to home.
Anderson Hospital is proud to recognize Jimisha Mitchell, CNA on the Medical/Surgical Unit, as the recipient of the Lily Award for the Second Quarter of 2026.
The Lily Award recognizes non-nursing support staff who consistently go above and beyond in caring for patients, supporting their coworkers and living the mission, vision and values of Anderson Hospital. Recipients are selected for demonstrating compassion, professionalism, exceptional job performance and a commitment to creating meaningful connections with those they serve.
Those who work alongside Jimisha know that her joy is contagious. Patients, families and coworkers alike describe her as someone who brings kindness, positivity and genuine compassion to every interaction.
Jimisha was recognized for consistently exemplifying the qualities of a Lily Award recipient by:
- Modeling empathy and demonstrating a caring attitude in every situation.
- Demonstrating exceptional skills in her role.
- Maintaining a positive attitude and professionalism in the workplace.
- Living Anderson Hospital's mission, vision and values while upholding the Code of Excellence and Code of Conduct.
- Building meaningful connections with patients, families and coworkers.
The heartfelt nomination letters submitted on Jimisha's behalf painted a clear picture of the difference she makes every day.
One coworker shared how Jimisha's attentiveness made a critical difference for a patient experiencing low blood sugar:
"She was very timely in rechecking it multiple times as the blood sugar did not respond to the first two treatments. She then rechecked her blood sugar without being asked to ensure the patient was doing well, and the glucose had actually dropped again below 70. It was great care, and the nurses on the floor know they can count on this employee to provide excellent care of their patients—and always with a smile."
Family members also spoke about the compassion Jimisha showed while caring for their grandmother:
"We hope that if Grandma ever has to be hospitalized again that we get to have Jimisha take care of Grandma again because she treated her just like family."
Another family member wrote:
"We have a big family, so there were always family members there, and we all loved Jimisha."
Perhaps the most touching words came from a loved one who described the comfort Jimisha provided each day:
"Seeing her smart, smiling face every morning made the family feel like things with Grandma were going to be okay."
Congratulations, Jimisha, on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for the compassion, dedication and positivity you bring to Anderson Hospital each day. Your commitment to caring for others truly embodies what the Lily Award represents.
Congratulations to Anderson Hospital ER Nurse, Andriana Georgieva-Venelinova!
EXTRAORDINARY NURSE RECOGNIZED AT ANDERSON HOSPITAL
July 27, 2026 (Maryville, IL) – Andriana Georgieva-Venelinova, RN, of Anderson Hospital’s Emergency Departmentwas recently honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.
The nomination submitted read:
“During one of the most painful and overwhelming medical experiences I've ever had, this nurse made an incredible difference in my care. I came in with severe urinary retention and was in extreme pain and distress. She immediately listened to me when I explained that I could not wait any longer for a catheter and took my concerns seriously without dismissing or delaying my care. She moved quickly, administered my medication promptly, and showed genuine compassion every step of the way. Even in such a busy environment, she made me feel heard, safe, and cared for. Her calm demeanor, kindness, and urgency helped bring me relief during a moment where I felt scared and helpless. What stood out most was not only her clinical skill, but the humanity she showed me. She treated me with dignity, empathy, and patience when I truly needed it most. I will never forget the comfort and reassurance she gave me during such a difficult experience. She is exactly the kind of nurse the DAISY Award was created to recognize.”
The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, CA, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.
Said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, Doctor of Humane Letters (h.c) and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation, "When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Anderson Hospitalare called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”
For a complete listing of healthcare organizations currently running the program, please go to http://DAISYfoundation.org
In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to
the nursing profession internationally in over 5,000 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with
recognition of Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nurses Advancing Health Equity,
Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, Lifetime Achievement in Nursing and through the J. Patrick Barnes
Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects, Medical Mission Grants and their new
Health Equity Grant programs. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org.
Dreaming of Italy? Join Us for a Free Travel Presentation! ✈️
Have you always wanted to experience the beauty of Rome, Florence and Venice without the stress of planning every detail? Now's your chance!
Join the Anderson Hospital Auxiliary for a FREE, no-obligation travel presentation and learn all about the Italian Vistas tour offered by Collette Tours. You'll discover what's included, see the itinerary, and learn how easy it can be to travel with everything taken care of.
📅 Wednesday, August 5
🕓 4:00 p.m.
📍 Basement Classrooms at Anderson Hospital/ Entrance 2
🎉 Presentation attendees will receive a booking special of $150 off the total trip cost!
Questions? Contact Anderson Volunteer Judy Eft at (314) 973-9105 or [email protected].
We hope you'll join us to learn about this unforgettable Italian adventure!
Today, a comment about a patient's Emergency Department experience here at Anderson generated a lengthy discussion on a local community social media page. We shared a response there, but as often happens in large comment threads, it was quickly buried beneath additional comments.
We wanted to share that message here with our own community.
Our Emergency Department team comes to work every day with one purpose: caring for people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. They do so with compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to our patients. Many of these caregivers are also your neighbors, friends, and family members.
We recognize that waiting for emergency care can be frustrating. We understand those emotions, and we never dismiss them. Every patient is important to us. However, emergency departments must prioritize care based on the severity of each patient's condition, not the order in which they arrive. That means some patients with less urgent conditions may experience longer wait times while our teams care for those facing life-threatening emergencies.
We also believe there is an important difference between sharing an experience and fostering conversations that become disrespectful toward the people who serve our community. Anonymous and pseudonymous social media comments often paint an incomplete picture while overlooking the dedication of the healthcare professionals who continue showing up each day to care for others.
Constructive feedback helps us improve. Personal attacks do not.
You always have a choice in where you receive your healthcare, and we respect every patient's decision. Our commitment remains the same regardless: to continue improving, investing in our services, and providing compassionate care to the communities we have proudly served for nearly 50 years.
Thank you to the many patients, families, and community members who continue to support our physicians, nurses, technicians, environmental services staff, registration teams, volunteers, and every member of the Anderson Hospital family. Your encouragement means more than you know.
At Anderson Hospital, we are committed to providing every patient with an excellent experience. If we ever fall short of that goal, we encourage you to contact our Patient Advocate. This allows us to review your concerns thoroughly, investigate what occurred in a HIPAA-compliant manner, and follow up directly with you. Your feedback is invaluable and helps us identify opportunities to improve the care and service we provide to our community. While we understand that many people turn to social media to share their experiences, we are unable to discuss or investigate individual patient concerns in a public forum due to patient privacy laws. We respectfully ask that you share those concerns with our Patient Advocate so we can listen, learn, and work toward a resolution. You can contact our Patient Advocate.
Things are moving fast… and this time, you can actually watch it happen! 
Our friends at Korte created an incredible time-lapse video of the progress on Anderson Hospital’s new Emergency Department, and it’s amazing to see just how much has been accomplished. Check it out on their Facebook Post: https://www.facebook.com/reel/4438342526448300