South Central Reporter

Hospital Sisters Health System, Southern Illinois Market hospitals, and Lincoln Surgical Associates have reached a new service agreement aimed at broadening surgical access across southwestern Illinois. This collaboration will ensure continuous general surgery availability at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland, along with on-call support during off-hours and weekends for all southern market hospitals, including HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville.

Chris Klay, President and Chief Executive Officer of HSHS Southern Illinois Market, emphasized the importance of this partnership. "There was a recognizable need for additional general surgeons to serve patients closer to home in the Breese, Highland and Greenville areas,” Klay noted. He expressed optimism about the collaboration with Lincoln Surgical Associates, highlighting their established reputation in the metro east region.

Lincoln Surgical Associates, led by Dr. James Clanahan, President of the group, is set to bring its expertise to a wider area. This organization specializes in general and cancer surgery, covering various treatments. "This relationship started 45 years ago, as it was Lincoln Surgical’s mission to serve the community and that’s what we continue to do," Dr. Clanahan stated. He expressed satisfaction at the opportunity to expand their mission to a larger geographical area.

Additionally, the recent approval by the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board for an outpatient surgical center and medical office at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon marks another significant venture. This project aims to provide crucial local healthcare resources, with construction slated for summer and completion anticipated by spring 2027.

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