News From SIH

Consistent with long-standing practices requiring health care workers to be vaccinated against serious infectious diseases for the safety of patients and staff, SIH will require COVID-19 vaccinations for all employees and those who work in SIH facilities as a condition of their employment. Employees will be required to be fully vaccinated by November 8, 2021.

Out of an abundance of caution, you will notice an increased security and law enforcement presence at SIH facilities today on the heels of a potential threat lobbied against several Illinois hospitals (Wednesday, Aug. 4). Law enforcement officials believe this threat involves spoofing and appears to be a hoax. Nevertheless, SIH is taking the threat seriously in the best interest of our staff, patients and community. While we take these additional safety measures, SIH services and hospital operations will continue as normal.

SIH is pleased to announce the Illinois Health Facilities Services and Review Board today approved a certificate of exemption for an ownership change allowing Harrisburg Medical Center (HMC) to join the SIH family. Following the closing of the transaction, to be effective on August 1, 2021, the real work of improving health in the Harrisburg community will begin as part of the formal integration process with SIH.

Changes are coming soon if you have Medicare and full Medicaid (no spenddown). There are five plans to choose from for your coverage. Most people over age 21 who have Medicare Part A & B as their primary coverage and Medicaid as their secondary coverage will now have one plan. This plan becomes effective for some individuals as early as July 1,2021

The Harrisburg Medical Center Board of Directors has voted in favor of the Saline County hospital joining Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH), pending approval from the Illinois Health Facilities Services and Review Board (IHFSRB). The outcome is the result of 16 months of discussions and due diligence as both entities explored a mutually beneficial relationship.

A reimagined and reinvigorated economic development initiative will create a regional hub and serve as a unified voice for the 17 southernmost counties. SI Now, a Southern Illinois Success Initiative, involves collaboration among leaders in business and industry, healthcare, higher education, workforce development, transportation, government, non-profit economic development and community coalitions. SI Now’s vision is to create a thriving, economically diverse environment with a growing population, labor force, per capita income and expanding tax base, while elevating an already high quality of life.

Below is a list of delays or closures as of 02/16/2021 8 a.m.

Closed Tuesday, February 16:

• All SIH Outpatient Rehabilitation locations
• SIH Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Rehabilitation Physician Services located at Logan Park
• Outpatient Wound Care appointments at SIH Herrin Hospital and SIH St. Joseph Memorial Hospital
• SIH Walk-in Clinic at John A Logan College
• All SIH Outpatient Laboratory locations
• Outpatient Imaging Services
• The Breast Centers in Carbondale and Marion are closed for imaging procedures such as mammograms and ultrasounds. Breast clinic appointments with Jamie Hulgren, NP, and Arsalan Salamat, MD, in Carbondale are being held as scheduled.

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.