St. Joseph's ER achieved a top 9% Emergency Department patient satisfaction rating out of more than 2,000 hospitals nationwide! 

Whether it's a critical situation or a minor injury or illness, seconds count when it comes to your health and that of your loved ones. At St. Joseph's Hospital, we recognize your trust in us begins at the front door. That's why we've taken aggressive steps to enhance your access to emergency medicine without compromising our trademark compassionate care.

As part of our recently completed $1.3 million renovation project, our Emergency Department now boasts two new private exam rooms and triage area, along with a separate waiting room. And, the improvements don't stop there! We've also:

• Implemented new quality control and process improvement procedures to improve overall outcomes
• Maintained our Standby Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics (SEDP) status within the metro-east region to provide quality pediatric emergency care
• Significantly improved emergency transfer of cardiac patients to St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Belleville
• Added four new, board-certified physicians (including a new ED medical director) with extensive training and experience to provide care you deserve 

What does all of this mean...

Shorter wait times and better care. Plus we have achieved a top 9% Emergency Department patient satisfaction rating out of more than 2,000 hospitals nationwide from Press Ganey & Associates! 

Level 3 ER Care

As a Level 3 Emergency Department, we have the resources in place to provide emergency treatment, surgical services and, if necessary, intensive care for those with: 

• Chest Pain
• Heart Attack
• Cardiac Arrest
• Stroke
• Accidents
• Broken Bones
• Lacerations
• Abdominal Pain

Meet our New ER Physicians!

Laurence Gebler, M.D., New Medical Director
As a board certified physician with over 20 years of experience in Emergency Medicine, Dr. Gebler is a valuable addition to the St. Joseph's ER team.  He received his medical degree from the University of Michigan in 1977 with a focus on general surgery.  He has also served in the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Corps and is a licensed pilot. 
 

Renee Alonso, M.D., M.P.H.
Having worked in Emergency Medicine for over 15 years, Dr. Alonso can handle any medical emergencies that come into St. Joseph's ER.  She received her medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in 1986 and has worked with various national companies in helping them meet occupational health & safety guidelines.

Roberto Garcia, M.D.
An experienced physician/surgeon specializing in orthopedics and industrial medicine, Dr. Garcia brings over 20 years of experience to the St. Joseph ER.  He received his medical degree from the National Autonomous University in Mexico and has worked in hospitals throughout Illinois. He has also operated a private practice for the last 7 years in Sterling, IL.

Hayden Smith, M.D.
A 2006 graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Dr. Smith focused his studies in both Family Practice and Exercise/Sport Science. He has written for many publications dealing with fitness and exercise as well as case studies on various medical conditions.