SIU Medicine, SIH announce transition in physician services at Miners Memorial Health Center

WEST FRANKFORT, Ill. — Southern Illinois University (SIU) Medicine and Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH) today announced a phased transition of physician services at Miners Memorial Health Center, which will occur over the coming months. Throughout the transition, patients will continue receiving primary care services as the organizations work together to ensure uninterrupted access to care.

The transition follows the conclusion of the long-standing physician services agreement between Southern Illinois University (SIU) Medicine and SIH. The change will occur in phases over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition for patients, providers and staff.

SIH Medical Group physicians and advanced practice providers will begin providing primary care services for Miners Memorial Health Center patients this fall. Existing clinic support staff will remain in place, providing the familiar faces and support patients have come to know and trust.

"For many years, SIU Medicine physicians have been honored to care for patients and families at Miners Memorial Health Center," said Janet Albers, MD, chair of SIU Medicine’s Department of Family and Community Medicine. "We’re grateful for our longstanding partnership with SIH and for the opportunity to serve the West Frankfort community together. As this physician services agreement comes to a close, our priority is working collaboratively to help ensure a smooth, coordinated transition for patients while continuing our strong relationship with SIH through education, training and other shared initiatives."

"SIH and SIU Medicine are committed to working closely together to support patients and West Frankfort while preserving the strong relationship we’ve built over many years. We appreciate SIU Medicine's partnership and the outstanding physicians who have served this community. Our collective goal is to provide patients with clarity, continuity and confidence in their care throughout this transition," said SIH President and CEO John Antes.

SIH will contact patients whose primary care provider will change well in advance of the transition, providing information about their care team and any scheduling updates.

While this physician services agreement is concluding, SIU Medicine and SIH will continue to collaborate in several key areas, including physician and physician assistant education, residency training and initiatives to improve rural health across Southern Illinois.

Patients with questions are encouraged to contact Miners Memorial Health Center at 618.932.3937 as additional information becomes available.