Read the latest news about OSF in the Illinois Valley.

Community FAQs

In early May, OSF HealthCare announced our intent to acquire some of the St. Margaret’s Health assets, including the hospital facility in Peru, which has been closed since January. We’ve heard from many residents of the Illinois Valley who are concerned about their ability to have close, quality care. Establishing that is our primary concern as well.

Here are some of the questions we’ve received.

What is OSF HealthCare purchasing?

OSF已经完成第一阶段的购买,includes Midtown Plaza complex, Midtown Health Center, and Granville Clinic. These locations will open soon to offer the community a variety of new care options, including OSF Medical Group – Primary Care as well as OSF Rehabilitation. The second phase of the transaction includes the intent to purchase the Peru hospital facility as well as other ambulatory buildings. More details regarding this second phase will be available soon.

We are working to hire and train new employees and will open as soon as possible to minimize gaps in care for this community. More details will be available soon regarding the specific services offered and the location open dates. The St. Margaret’s Health location in Spring Valley, located just eight minutes from the Peru hospital, closed on June 16. This facility is not part of the transaction.

Why is OSF HealthCare expanding care in my community?

OSF HealthCare has provided care to the Illinois Valley and surrounding communities for some time. We are excited to expand our partnership with this community to provide a local source of health care with all the benefits of a nationally recognized system. We are also proud to continue the tradition of Catholic health care in these communities. The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis have tremendous respect for those who share their calling. The founding Sisters of St. Margaret’s Health are now part of the history of OSF, and we will honor their legacy. With St. Margaret’s Health no longer part of the community, we want to play a bigger role in caring for this community. And we have the ability and expertise to do so.

Is OSF HealthCare hiring St. Margaret’s employees?

Recruiting employees continues to be one of our top priorities. OSF has over 24,000 employees – who we call Mission Partners – and we are committed to every single one. From competitive pay and benefits to a focus on professional development, we’re dedicated to becoming a top employer in each region we serve. Many employees of St. Margaret’s Health have already joined OSF and are in the process of onboarding and training. More will become part our Ministry in the future. We are prepared and are confident that we can meet the needs of this community with the help and expertise of our new Mission Partners.

Will I be able to keep my St. Margaret’s provider?

OSF目前正在通过新员工培训d credentialing process as many providers transition from St. Margaret’s to OSF HealthCare. This process may take some time, but we are committed to minimizing gaps in care, while working through our due diligence to onboard and train our new providers. OSF is striving to make sure that when you come to us for care, you aren’t cared for by strangers but by friends and neighbors. Information will soon be available on the providers who have joined OSF HealthCare.

When will the new facilities be available for care?

OSF is actively determining how best to provide necessary services to the Illinois Valley, but this process, along with the necessary regulatory approvals, takes time. We’ve already begun to train new clinicians on important aspects like our electronic medical record, our Mission-driven culture and more. It is our hope to begin providing care in some form as soon as the proper training and credentialing has taken place. The facilities themselves may take more time to complete, but we are committed to beginning patient care as soon as we are able.

How can I obtain my medical record from St. Margaret’s?

Per the St. Margaret's website, former St. Margaret’s patients should request a copy of their medical records from St. Margaret’s Health (SMH), which has partnered with a vendor to assist with this process. Visitaboutsmh.org/medical-records-requestand complete the Authorization for Use and Disclosure of Health Information form. When filling out the form, please be sure to list the reason for the request and where to send the records. Fax to (815) 664-1169 or mail to:

SMH - Medical Records Requests
600 E. First St.
Spring Valley, IL 61362

SMH will no longer accept requests over the phone or by message, but if you have a question about your records, call (815) 664-1583. Due to volume, please expect at least 30 days to receive your records. Record requests are subject to fees that may be charged by SMH or their vendor in accordance with State and Federal Laws. For Radiology images performed at Peru or Spring Valley hospitals, call the Imaging Department at (815) 664-1469.

When my provider was at St. Margaret’s, they scheduled an upcoming appointment for me. Is that appointment still valid?

No. Regardless of who your provider was or will be, any appointments scheduled in St. Margaret’s system are not transferred to OSF. A new appointment must be made through OSF, regardless of provider.

How do I seek care while OSF works to open the new facilities?

Illinois Valley residents who are seeking information regarding their care can call(844) 673-2778.This line is available 24/7 and will offer individuals a direct connection to the information they need during this time.

Additionally, patients may seek care at OSF OnCall Urgent Care in Ottawa and OSF PromptCare in Princeton, Streator and Ottawa. Individuals can also get 24/7 virtual visits through OSF OnCall. Learn morehere.

For all emergency care needs, please call 9-1-1 or seek care at your nearest emergency department, OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa, OSF Saint Clare Medical Center in Princeton, or OSF Saint Paul Medical Center in Mendota.