News From SIH

SIH Cancer Institute has joined the Siteman Cancer Network to improve the health of Southern Illinois communities and residents through cancer prevention, research and access to specialized care, for patients who need such care, at Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis.

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves in our region, SIH continuously evaluates all of our operational practices to ensure we are providing a safe environment for our team members, patients, and visitors. As a result, starting Wednesday, September 16th, SIH hospitals will change the process by which visitors enter the Emergency Departments (ED).

A $2.8 million grant resulting from a partnership between the Jackson County Health Department, Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH) and Southern Illinois University Carbondale will bring expanded COVID-19 testing to the county and SIU campus.

A single plasma donation from a recovered COVID-19 patient could help up to four patients fight the virus. SIH is now part of a Mayo Clinic study investigating convalescent plasma as a treatment option. The large-scale analysis features collaboration among more than 2,200 hospitals and healthcare entities across the country.

Most of us are worried about coronavirus symptoms, but doctors don't want you to forget about your heart health. Dr. Gangadhar Malasana with SIH Prairie Heart Institute said nationally, there's been a 50% drop in people seeking help for heart attacks.

GLOVES FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY. Is wearing rubber gloves while out in public effective in protecting you from the Corona virus?

Southern Illinois Healthcare announced last week that SIH Medical Group is now conducting video visits for outpatient visits. Dr. Matt Winkleman, of SIH Primary Care in Harrisburg, explained that government restrictions on telemedicine were recently loosened, which opened different types of platforms for medical visits.

Social distancing and concerns over COVID-19 are prompting many hospitals to cancel elective procedures, but many patients still need to see their doctors. Doctor Matt Winkleman has been on the front lines for SIH in the fight against the coronavirus. He says in the last week they've made major strides in taking their effort to serve more patients online. Telehealth has become a necessary alternative for patients and local health care providers.

Director of Emergency Services at SIH Herrin Hospital joined Will Stephens to talk about COVID-19 and Emergency Medical Care. Dr. Miksanek said that Emergency care for Heart Attack and Stroke is not occurring at typical rates. This leads SIH to believe people are putting off Emergency Medical Care due to COVID-19.

After hearing about the shortage of personal protective equipment to fight COVID-19, Bernie Hennenberger’s best friend, Darren Haney, had an idea to help local hospitals during the pandemic. They could use their 3D printers to make face shields for health care workers.