National network cites St. Luke’s for women’s health

St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center has been named a “premiere hospital” by the Spirit of Women Health Network.

The Sioux City hospital is one of about 25 health care facilities nationwide and the only hospital in the tri-state region to obtain the designation, based on an evaluation of national standards that measure clinic excellence in women’s health care and community outreach.

“It is very rewarding to be recognized for programs we believe are vital for women of all ages,” St. Luke’s President and CEO Peter Thoreen said at a recent news conference.

The CEO was flanked at the podium by a number of the female staff members who helped compile the mountain of supporting paperwork included in St. Luke’s winning application. The audience included dozens more employees, who celebrated afterwards with cake and beverages.

According to Spirit of Women, a national network of U.S. hospitals aiming to improving the health of women and their families, St. Luke’s earned its premier status for women-centered care, call-to-action education and access to care in seven strategic areas.

Spirit of Women conducted its evaluation in cooperation with the Office onv Women’s Health and Department of Health and Human Services.

Kristen Cook, director of St. Luke’s Spirit of Women program, launched four years ago, offers a variety of innovative services, including an event that allows women to complete all their screenings and exams in one day. In addition, St. Luke’s has collaborated with Prairie Pediatrics to offer a teen health program for girls at high risk of diabetes and with Girls Inc. on a program focused on self esteem.

Four out of five Siouxland families now chose to have their babies born at St. Luke’s, which in 2008 set a new record for births with 2,102, according to the hospital.


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