How long has the hospital served Macon County?
Decatur Memorial Hospital (DMH) opened its doors on January 1, 1916, thanks to the hard work and determination of Mrs. Sue Hagaman, and Dr. William Barnes. Sue Hagaman dreamed of a hospital in Decatur where babies could be born. Her vision remained only a dream until she enlisted the support of a skillful Decatur surgeon and internationally renowned Harvard graduate, William Barnes, MD. Together they worked tirelessly to turn this dream into a reality. The doors of the hospital opened on New Year’s Day 1916. Just a few days later on January 19, DMH welcomed its first baby. Finally! A hospital in Decatur where babies could be born.
What makes doing business in Decatur/Macon County unique?
It’s clear we have entered into a new economic era, the result of many people and organizations successfully working together, sharing visions and resources for the betterment of our entire community. These efforts will help pave the economic development pathway for a transformational future. DMH is proud of the decades-long partnership with the EDC.
There are tremendous possibilities for growth and advancement – not only for health care, but for other local and area industries and businesses as well.
Does the hospital have any news, recent victories or accomplishments to share such as an expansion or remodeling?
More than 100 years later, the state of our organization is strong. DMH has had capital expenditures so far this fiscal year exceeding $11 million. These capital purchases have included state-of-the-art anesthesia machines, new breast tomosynthesis three-dimensional (3D) mammography and the latest technology available for MRI/ultrasound-guided biopsies for prostate cancer.
Clinically, 2018 saw marked enhancements and expansions. DMH’s pain management and pulmonary medicine programs have grown and moved into larger space.
DMH continues to offer the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities for all types of cancer. No other Central Illinois healthcare organization rivals our PET CT and PET MR imaging capability. Our newly accredited multi-disciplinary breast health center of excellence provides a template for our upcoming colorectal center of excellence. Our lung cancer screening program has been held out and incorporated by members of the BJC Collaborative as best demonstrated practice.
In response to the growing number of patients facing vascular disease in Central Illinois, DMH has established a specialized institute, the DMH Vein & Vascular Institute, to focus on disease prevention, early detection, evidence-based medical therapy, state-of-the-art interventions, long-term management strategies and clinical research.
In the rapidly evolving and complex world of healthcare, it is imperative that our healthcare professionals possess the skills needed to provide safe care with technical expertise, excellent communication and teamwork. Advances in technology are revolutionizing patient care—for you, your loved ones and every member of our community. That is why the DMH Foundation is developing a state-of-the-art Center for Education and Learning that will provide advanced education and simulated learning for doctors, nurses, technicians and students dedicated to creating a remarkable future for the people of Central Illinois. The Foundation is nearing their goal on this capital campaign that will allow the opportunity to learn new skills and participate in a facilitated debriefing.
Is the hospital offering a new product or service?
The Central Illinois Orthopedic Center at DMH has expanded its robotic surgical technology for hip and knee replacement with two additional Mako™ Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgical Systems. This system is an effective minimally invasive alternative to hip or knee replacement. Surgeons use CT technology to generate a 3D virtual model of a patient’s joint anatomy. This virtual model is programmed into the Mako™ system and is used to create a personalized operative plan-delivering precision positioning for each patient for a faster recovery, so that patients are able to get back to their daily routines more quickly than traditional surgical methods.
DMH and SIU Medicine understand children have unique needs that call for a special kind of care. That’s why we partnered together to bring a team of pediatric specialists to care for the children of Decatur and Macon County.
Pediatric specialties include:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Pediatric Development/Behavior
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Genetics
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Pediatric Primary Care
DMH is at the forefront of a new revolution providing molecular medicine for individualized detection, diagnosis, evaluation and management of disease.
Our approach encourages early detection to slow the progression of disease and increase the possibility for a healthier outcome. Advanced diagnostic technology allows for innovative screenings and testing that detect disease sooner so that physicians can develop a personalized treatment plan.
We have expanded our program to include:
- C-11 Choline PET/CT scan used to detect recurring prostate cancer
- N-13 Ammonia used for myocardial perfusion
- F-18 FDG for tumor imaging
- NAF Sodium Fluoride for bone cancer metastasizes
Is the hospital currently recruiting or hiring employees?
DMH is dedicated to providing care at our Level II Trauma designated hospital. We are proud of the experience, skills, and dedication of our employees. The employees of DMH are our most valuable asset. As we’ve expanded our services, we are currently seeking to add highly qualified, skilled employees. We have opportunities available ranging from nursing, to clerical, and professional.
More information about these opportunities can be found at dmhcares.com/careers.
Decatur Memorial Hospital is our featured business in the August 2018 newsletter’s “Industry Highlight” section. Would your business like to be featured in an upcoming issue? Contact Brandy by email at bbockewitz@decaturedc.com or by phone at 217-422-9520 for more details.