With OSF HealthCare’s (OSF) recent announcement to reduce key services in the region, the healthcare landscape in the Champaign-Urbana area is changing fundamentally. These changes are expected to substantially increase patient volumes at Carle Foundation Hospital (CFH) and across the Carle Health system, adding to already high demand. As such, Carle Health is taking immediate action to ensure patients continue to have timely access to high-quality healthcare and is requesting help from the public to support those efforts.
“Carle Foundation Hospital is already one of the busiest emergency departments in the state,” said Holly Cook, CFH Emergency Department Director. “We are preparing now to serve more patients while maintaining the quality, safety and compassion our community depends on, and we’re asking our communities to help. When patients choose the right setting for their needs, everyone benefits—wait times go down and care remains more accessible for all.”
In a unified commitment to the health of the community, Carle Health is taking the following steps now to meet increased demand:
Carle Health is asking for the community’s partnership in preserving access to care. Here’s what individuals can do:
• Choose the Right Care: Pick the care setting that best fits your need every time.
• Cancel if Your Needs Change: Free up appointments for others who need them.
• Practice Patience: Exceptional care takes time. Please be patient with healthcare workers as they work to meet increased demand.
“Our mission to be a trusted partner in our patients’ healthcare journey guides every action we take, and we can’t do this alone,” said Elizabeth Angelo, CFH President. “To truly care for our communities, we have to partner with our communities. By working together, we can make sure every patient gets the right care at the right place at the right time.”
“Carle Foundation Hospital is already one of the busiest emergency departments in the state,” said Holly Cook, CFH Emergency Department Director. “We are preparing now to serve more patients while maintaining the quality, safety and compassion our community depends on, and we’re asking our communities to help. When patients choose the right setting for their needs, everyone benefits—wait times go down and care remains more accessible for all.”
In a unified commitment to the health of the community, Carle Health is taking the following steps now to meet increased demand:
- Increasing provider staffing at Convenient Care Plus at CFH to expand capacity.
- Prioritizing same-day appointments in Primary Care.
- Expanding virtual care through online Convenient Care appointments.
- Boosting awareness of MyCarle self-scheduling for same-day access.
- Expediting the expansion of the CFH Emergency Department and relocating an expanded Convenient Care Plus to the South Clinic with a target completion of November 2025.
- Carle.org/CareForCU — Easy-to-follow guidance on available care options for various needs.
- (217) 326-CARE — Dedicated phone line where trained team members listen, answer questions and direct patients to appropriate care.
Carle Health is asking for the community’s partnership in preserving access to care. Here’s what individuals can do:
• Choose the Right Care: Pick the care setting that best fits your need every time.
• Cancel if Your Needs Change: Free up appointments for others who need them.
• Practice Patience: Exceptional care takes time. Please be patient with healthcare workers as they work to meet increased demand.
“Our mission to be a trusted partner in our patients’ healthcare journey guides every action we take, and we can’t do this alone,” said Elizabeth Angelo, CFH President. “To truly care for our communities, we have to partner with our communities. By working together, we can make sure every patient gets the right care at the right place at the right time.”
Categories: Community
Tags: Care, Carle, Department, Emergency, Foundation, Get, Hospital, Patient