OSF Complete Care 55+ was unveiled June 11 to a large gathering anxious to view and learn about the new facility in Evergreen Park.
The grand opening and ribbon-cutting took place at the center, 9855 S. Western Ave. The new facility is being run by staff affiliated with OSF Healthcare, which operates Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Evergreen Park.
Several medical representatives spoke at the grand opening of the new center, which will provide care for patients ages 55 and over in a more accessible manner.
Kathleen Kinsella, president of OSF Healthcare Little Company of Mary Medical Center, noted that the opening is significant in that this is the 75th anniversary of the first kidney transplant that took place in the United States and occurred at Little Company.
“We have always offered compassionate care,” Kinsella said. “We want to provide care for patients who are not only balancing a busy schedule, but have work or other commitments.”
Kate Barth, vice president for On Demand Services and chief nursing officer for OSF OnCall, said the new state-of-the-art center will be more than providing basic care.
“It will be more than a physical building, it will be convenient and easy to navigate,” Barth said. “OSF OnCall will introduce to this community special care for this stage of life. What matters most is your health.”
OSF On Call clinics are located near neighborhoods and shopping centers that have lacked medical care options. OSF Complete Care 55+ borders Chicago and is near other southwest suburban communities.
The new facility will provide a modern, consumer-focused primary care clinic aimed at improving the resiliency for individuals ages 55 and over with two or more chronic conditions.
Barth said that convenient self-scheduling, extended hours, and a hybrid of virtual and in-person visits to provide a patient-centered experience will be available. Group visits for education, condition management and hands-on training for digital tools for communication and vital sign monitoring will be provided, Barth added.
Kinsella said that patients who need prompt care will be available to communicate with “care navigators” to assist with care conditions and promote open communication with specialty providers.
Along with in-person and virtual visits, this will also include after-hour care, according to OSF staff. This also includes a 24-hour access to a health care team, assistance with scheduling, insurance referrals, and pre-visit planning to maximize time with a provider.
Sandra Valino Stock, a doctor of osteopathic medicine and managing medical director for OSF Complete Care 55+, was pleased when she learned about the center opening in Evergreen Park. She was determined to be involved.
“That’s why I joined,” Valino Stock said. “We have a welcoming lobby and visits are not rushed. I’m ecstatic to join as we help patients to have more independence. I’ve had 15 years of experience in this kind of care. We are facing access to health care shortages so I was very excited about this. We stress more personalized care and there is a need for this kind of care.”
The center includes 10 exam rooms and two additional rooms for specific care. On-site labs are provided for convenience of the medical staff and patients.
Darian Oberg, director of Demand Operations for OSF Healthcare, said this facility will provide convenient specialized care for aging patients.
“We want to provide care and to meet people where they want to be met,” Oberg said.
Kinsella said this is a more contemporary way to provide care for patients ages 55 and over. Many people in this age group not only have to help others but provide for themselves as well, Kinsella said. Primary care will extend beyond the walls of the center and provide more options to receive care for injuries and illnesses, she added.
During the grand opening, Sister Theresa Ann, of OSF Healthcare, gave an opening prayer, and the Rev. Martin Ibarra, chaplain, and Susan Puchalla, manager of Pastoral Care for OSF, gave the blessing.
Evergreen Park trustees Mark Marzullo, James McQuillan and Jeannie Olson also attended the grand opening and took part in the ribbon-cutting.
“The 55-plus population is growing and we can better serve the community through digital care,” Barth said. ” We can help patients pick primary care choices and answer insurance questions.”