Hospital News

If you’re one of the many people struggling with excess weight or obesity, a new bariatrics program at Alton Memorial Hospital offers renewed hope so you can achieve your long-term health goals and live a healthy, active life. Dr. Matt Musielak, a general surgeon on staff at AMH, is offering sleeve gastrectomies for patients who meet certain guidelines, such as a Body Mass Index of more than 40. But the surgical procedure is just part of a lengthy process that also include visits with a dietitian as well as a mental health professional to make sure all the patient’s needs are met.

Only in the past year was Cheryl Bartosiak able to do something as simple as roast a marshmallow without having to deal with horrible pain. Bartosiak, 64, a former Alton Memorial Hospital nurse, underwent surgery by Dr. John Felder at AMH in September 2019 to relieve the effects of migraine headaches that had bothered her for 40 years.

Daniel Berg, MD, is an experienced, board-certified Family Medicine physician who has started practice at Family Physicians of Bethalto, 163 E. Bethalto Drive. Dr. Berg is accepting new patients, so schedule an appointment today by calling 618-433-6490.

Four Alton Memorial Hospital departments were recognized with top 2020 awards from national health care research leader Professional Research Consultants Inc. (PRC).The Digestive Health Center, which earned a 5-Star Award last year, earned a Top Performer award for 2020. The Human Motion Institute, Women's Health and Childbirth Center, and the Emergency Department were also honored.

Miss Eunice’s Hat Box, the Alton Memorial Hospital gift shop that has been closed since late March because of the COVID-19 pandemic, is reopening on Tuesday, Sept. 8, with limited hours. The gift shop, located on the ground floor of the Beeby Wing across from the café entrance, will be open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Days and hours could change later.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation (AMHSF) to cancel the 12^th annual Duck Pluckers, Deer Skinners & Fish Hookers Ball, originally scheduled for June and then August. Even without an event, however, $67,299 has been raised for the Duck Pluckers Ball fund.

Dr. David Sumoza is returning to Alton Memorial Hospital as the full-time medical oncologist. He oversees the Outpatient Cancer and Infusion Center, located in Suite 132 of Medical Office Building B on the AMH campus. Dr. Sumoza is now a member of the Department of Medical Oncology at Washington University. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact the Outpatient Cancer and Infusion Center at Alton Memorial Hospital at 618-463-7323.

Alton Memorial Hospital’s White Cross Auxiliary is not letting the COVID-19 pandemic stop its fundraising efforts. During the next several weeks, the Auxiliary is giving the community the chance to support AMH with donations that will also allow donors the opportunity to support local restaurants and wineries. Call Auxiliary President Susie Pruetzel at 618-660-7375 for information on how to participate in this effort that will replace the annual "Girls on Grapes, Boys on Brew" for 2020.

Sisay Michael Abraham, MD, is a board-eligible Family Medicine physician who started recently at Family Physicians of Alton, located in Suite 230 of Medical Office Building B on the Alton Memorial Hospital campus. Dr. Abraham is accepting new patients now. Call 618-463-7777 to schedule an appointment or for more information.

Members of five area Girl Scout troops decorated and painted more than 100 rocks and donated them to AMH on July 8 as a thanks for all the great work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rocks are at the hospital's Duncan Wing entrance.