Equipment & Technology

Digital Mammography

No technological advancement can beat early detection in fighting the war against breast cancer. Early detection is accomplished through regular visits with a physician, monthly breast self-exams and routine screening through mammography. At OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group, the best way we can help our patients is by investing in the most advanced technology available today. OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group was one of the first hospitals in the country - and the only hospital in the area - to offer digital mammography, which features enhanced imaging capabilities, incredible clarity and contrast, and the ability to more quickly and accurately detect cancer and other breast abnormalities. The new technology can be likened to today's digital cameras. It instantaneously produces ultra-sharp images that can be digitally enhanced, making it easier for radiologists to detect cancer and abnormalities at their earliest stage.

Sleep Center Technology

Helping our patients breathe easier is the primary goal at the OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group Sleep Center. We have recently invested in new equipment and technology that allows for a wider array of testing and more efficient interpretation and scoring of results. The new technology is compatible with most recent guidelines established by the American Association of Sleep Medicine (AASM) for scoring sleep apnea and associated events and provides reports from oximetry studies that are consistent with Medicare guidelines for home oxygen use. Its greatest advantage, though, is behind the scenes.

Much more powerful for handling data, the new technology features enhanced resolution and allows an entire night's video to be recorded and enables physicians and technicians to more readily detect how well and when a patient is sleeping. The OSF St. Francis Sleep Center features two sleep labs staffed by registered respiratory therapists and nurses, all of whom have advanced training in breathing disorders. Studies are conducted six evenings per week.

Patient Beds

Patient safety, care and comfort are our highest priorities at OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group. We can now accomplish all three of these goals with new patient beds that provide greater comfort and enhanced safety features, while aiding in the healing process. The new beds feature an Isoflex silver lining that helps prevent decubitus ulcers (bed sores) by more evenly distributing the patient's weight.

The beds also automatically chart the use of bed rails and feature alarms that can be used to alert staff if a patient who should not be moving without assistance rolls too far or tries to get out of bed. They are also equipped with adjustable hand rails and lift mechanisms, night lights, catheter and IV pole attachments, outlets and a removable headboard and footboard and attached CPR board and interface with the nurse call lights, room lights and television sets.