Read the latest news about OSF in the Illinois Valley.

Community FAQs

In early May, OSF HealthCare announced our intent to acquire some of the St. Margaret’s Health assets, including the hospital facility in Peru, which has been closed since January. We’ve heard from many residents of the Illinois Valley who are concerned about their ability to have close, quality care. Establishing that is our primary concern as well.

Here are some of the questions we’ve received.

What is OSF HealthCare purchasing?

On July 27, 2023, the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board approved the Certificate of Exemption application by OSF HealthCare for a change in ownership of the St. Margaret’s – Peru hospital. The Peru location at 925 West St. is expected to open with emergency care and inpatient services following completion of the sale of assets from St. Margaret’s Health to OSF, only after all regulatory approvals are received and necessary onsite preparations are completed.

OSF HealthCare previously purchased and opened OSF Medical Group – Primary Care, OSF PromptCare, OSF Rehabilitation and OSF Occupational Health services in Midtown Plaza, Midtown Health Center and Granville Clinic.

Why is OSF HealthCare expanding care in my community?

OSF HealthCare has provided care to the Illinois Valley and surrounding communities for some time. We are excited to expand our partnership with this community to provide a local source of health care with all the benefits of a nationally recognized system. We are also proud to continue the tradition of Catholic health care in these communities. The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis have tremendous respect for those who share their calling. The founding Sisters of St. Margaret’s Health are now part of the history of OSF, and we will honor their legacy. With St. Margaret’s Health no longer part of the community, we want to play a bigger role in caring for this community. And we have the ability and expertise to do so.

Is OSF HealthCare hiring St. Margaret’s employees?

OSF HealthCare has hired more than 320 former employees of St. Margaret’s Health and more than 50 providers including physicians and advanced medical providers. Additional openings can be found at https://www.osfcareers.org/ by searching “St. Margaret’s Health Employees.”

Will I be able to keep my St. Margaret’s provider?

OSF HealthCare has brought on over 50 new providers to serve the Illinois Valley. OSF is striving to ensure that when you come to us for care, you aren’t cared for by strangers, but by familiar faces.

When will the new facilities be available for care?

On July 10, OSF opened Primary Care, PromptCare, Rehabilitation and Occupational Health services in Peru and Granville. The Peru hospital is expected to open with emergency care and inpatient services following completion of the sale of assets from St. Margaret’s Health to OSF once all regulatory approvals are received and necessary onsite preparations are completed.

How can I obtain my medical record from St. Margaret’s?

Per the St. Margaret's website, former St. Margaret’s patients should request a copy of their medical records from St. Margaret’s Health (SMH), which has partnered with a vendor to assist with this process. Visit aboutsmh.org/medical-records-request and complete the Authorization for Use and Disclosure of Health Information form. When filling out the form, please be sure to list the reason for the request and where to send the records. Fax to (815) 664-1169 or mail to:

SMH - Medical Records Requests
600 E. First St.
Spring Valley, IL 61362

SMH will no longer accept requests over the phone or by message, but if you have a question about your records, call (815) 664-1583. Due to volume, please expect at least 30 days to receive your records. Record requests are subject to fees that may be charged by SMH or their vendor in accordance with State and Federal Laws. For Radiology images performed at Peru or Spring Valley hospitals, call the Imaging Department at (815) 664-1469.

What should I know about billing?

While OSF HealthCare strives for timely billing, changes with providers and new OSF locations may create a temporary delay in claims processing by third-party payors, like insurance companies. As a result, patients may see a lag in receiving an OSF statement for the final amount owed. Your patience is appreciated.

When my provider was at St. Margaret’s, they scheduled an upcoming appointment for me. Is that appointment still valid?

No. Regardless of who your provider was or will be, any appointments scheduled in St. Margaret’s system are not transferred to OSF. A new appointment must be made through OSF, regardless of provider.

How do I seek care while OSF works to open the new facilities?

Several OSF locations are now open in Peru and Granville, in addition to surrounding communities like Princeton, Mendota and Ottawa. Please read our news release for office locations and phone numbers. For more information on care, call (844) 673-2778.

Additionally, patients may seek care at OSF OnCall Urgent Care in Ottawa and OSF PromptCare in Princeton, Mendota, Streator and Ottawa. Individuals can also have 24/7 virtual visits through OSF OnCall. Learn more here.

For emergency care needs, please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency department: OSF Saint Clare Medical Center in Princeton, OSF Saint Paul Medical Center in Mendota, or OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa.