Franciscan Health to add medical simulator, behavioral telehealth

Franciscan Health Olympia Fields will open a medical simulation center in mid-2023 and add behavioral telehealth to its emergency department thanks in part to funding secured by Illinois U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth and U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly of Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District.

Frank McHugh, chief financial officer for Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, said Sen. Durbin and Rep. Kelly visited Franciscan Health Olympia Fields in 2022 to discuss a variety of healthcare topics, including the medical simulation center and behavioral health programs.

The $1 million medical simulator funding secured by Sens. Durbin and Duckworth and the $625,000 secured by Rep. Kelly were the results of that visit and subsequent discussions.

“This isn’t a one-time thing,” McHugh said. “We’re in contact with our legislators regularly. Our discussions lead to issues we have and strategies for addressing them moving forward.”

It is believed the simulation center will be the only one of its kind in the South Suburbs. A simulation center trains clinical personnel in the use of highly sophisticated equipment as well as the development of complex skills.

Whether used for learning new skills or honing existing skills, medical simulation centers offer essential, real life experience to physicians, nurses and students using realistic, full-body patient simulation models or mannequins.

Different scenarios may be created in the simulation center that are tailored to the education and experience requirements of providers. Rehearsing scenarios that could complicate real life care helps to prepare healthcare professionals for potential obstacles.

The behavioral telehealth funding will fill staffing gaps by allowing for behavioral health professionals to be accessible to emergency department patients around the clock.

Raymond Grady, president and CEO of Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, thanked the legislators for their efforts in securing the funding.

“Thank you for your support in advancing the quality of care in the communities we are privileged to serve,” Grady said. “Your leadership skills in leading change, building alliances and driving results was evident in the awarding of these funds for improving access to mental health services and educating the next generation of physicians and nurses that will care for the patients we serve. You have created an enduring testimony to your advocacy for the communities you represent. We are fortunate to have you as legislators.”