We are pleased to announce that our Pavilion for Women team was recognized/awarded for our work in 6 different categories at the annual Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative (ILPQC) conference held this week in Lombard, IL. We are most proud of the Blue Cross Blue Shield funded quality designation that included a $10,000 monetary award to be used towards staff education and continued partnership with our community. We were 1 of 12 Illinois birthing hospitals to receive this designation in this category. We were recognized for our work in the following areas:

-Neonatal Abstract of Excellence Award: Improving Safe Sleep Education

-ILPQC data Champions Award

-Equity and Safe Sleep for Infants: On the path for QI excellence Award

-Perinatal Mental Health: Outstanding Launch Award

-ILPQC Patient and Community Engagement Champion Award

-ILPQC Illinois Birthing Hospital Quality Designation: Birth Quality Star Award ($10,000)

We’re proud to share and celebrate the incredible work of our Pavilion for Women OB Team!

What is Birth Equity?  It’s the assurance of conditions that allow all people to experience optimal birth outcomes, grounded in a sustained commitment to confronting racial and social inequities.

We are honored to be part of this important work and grateful for our team’s ongoing efforts to support every family we serve.

Learn more about why Birth Equity matters: https://bit.ly/48dQEdk

Our Emergency Department expansion project continues to move forward, and we’re seeing great progress each week.

Recent highlights include:

• Ambulance Bay Access: A section of the ambulance bay has reopened, restoring designated areas for both walk-in and ambulance arrivals.
• Improved Visibility: New lighting is being installed at the Vadalabene entrance to the south lot, enhancing nighttime safety and visibility.
• Better Traffic Flow: Two clearly marked “drives” are now in place to separate entering and exiting traffic, eliminating the maze-like navigation we’ve experienced during construction.

We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work toward these improvements. Please continue to follow posted signage for the safest and most efficient navigation—routes may change as construction progresses.

Next Steps:

• Temporary tunnels will be constructed to serve as covered walkways, ensuring safe and protected entrances for patients heading to both the ER and OB departments. These tunnels will remain in place throughout the duration of the project to provide consistent access.
• The new helipad is expected to be fully operational in September, further enhancing our emergency transport capabilities.
• All of the improvements completed so far have been in preparation for the construction of the new building itself. An official groundbreaking announcement will be coming soon, as the building will proudly carry the name of a generous donor who has provided naming rights support.

NEW Visitor Restrictions Now in Effect

Due to high levels of flu and respiratory viruses in our hospital and community, Anderson Hospital has implemented visitor restrictions to protect our patients, staff, and visitors effective 2.5.25:

No visitors under the age of 18, except siblings of newborn patients in the Pavilion for Women.

Do not visit if you are not feeling well or displaying any flu-like symptoms.

We urge all healthy visitors to wash hands frequently and wear a mask while visiting. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and healthy environment!

We remain at peak census along with many of the hospitals in our region.

We kindly ask for your patience and understanding during these peak times.

#PatientsFirst #VisitorUpdate #StaySafe

Anderson's Diabetes Self Management Program Can Help

Uncontrolled diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar levels. While many people are aware of the immediate complications of diabetes, such as high blood sugar and the need for insulin, it is important to understand how uncontrolled diabetes can affect the entire body over time. From head to toe, this condition can wreak havoc on various organs and systems, leading to serious health complications.

1. Cardiovascular System: Uncontrolled diabetes significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries) and increasing the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.

2. Nervous System: Diabetes can cause nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy. This condition primarily affects the feet and legs, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain. Over time, it can also affect the nerves in other parts of the body, including the digestive system, causing problems with digestion and bowel movements.

3. Eyes: Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to a condition called diabetic retinopathy. This can cause vision problems, including blurred vision, floaters, and even blindness if left untreated.

4. Kidneys: Diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney disease. High blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste from the blood. This can eventually lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.

5. Skin: People with uncontrolled diabetes are more prone to skin infections and slow wound healing. High blood sugar levels can impair the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. Additionally, poor circulation can lead to dry, itchy skin and foot ulcers that are difficult to heal.

6. Digestive System: Diabetes can affect the nerves that control the digestive system, leading to problems such as gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), which can cause nausea, vomiting, and bloating. It can also lead to constipation or diarrhea.

7. Sexual Health: Uncontrolled diabetes can affect both men and women's sexual health. In men, it can lead to erectile dysfunction, while women may experience vaginal dryness and decreased libido.

8. Immune System: High blood sugar levels can weaken the immune system, making individuals with uncontrolled diabetes more susceptible to infections, including urinary tract infections, skin infections, and respiratory infections.

It is crucial for individuals with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels through proper diet, regular exercise, medication, and regular check-ups with healthcare professionals. By doing so, they can minimize the risk of complications and maintain a healthier, more fulfilling life.