Employees help fund two new Advocate Condell programs

Two new critical programs will begin at Advocate Condell Medical Center, funded in part by the generosity of Condell employees.

Associates pledged a total of $55,576 during the Libertyville hospital’s annual Giving Campaign. A portion of that money will be used to initiate the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program, known as SANE, and a nurse navigator program for oncology patients.

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program allows Condell to train several emergency department nurses to care for victims of sexual abuse.

An oncology nurse navigator helps to steer the range of tests, physician appointments and supportive care that are confusing at a distressing and critical time for newly diagnosed patients.

Advocate Condell will be the only hospital in Lake County to have a SANE nurse working 24 hours a day when the program launches this fall.

“This is truly a partnership with our community for better care,” said Mary Hillard, vice president of patient care. “If we can be there for the victims, what a wonderful thing this is for our patients and our community.”

The 2011 Associate Giving Campaign was the most successful in Condell’s history. This year, 37 percent of the associates pledged funds in support of lifesaving programs here and across Advocate Health Care.

Overall, 27 percent of Oak Brook-based Advocate Health Care associates participated in the annual campaign, which raised nearly $1.5 million across the system. The annual drive gives employees a chance to play an even greater role in helping Advocate Condell Medical Center carry out its mission and excel in clinical care.