Nurse staffing Ratio: In an effort to maintain a safe environment for patient care, anyone can inquire about our staffing levels and core competencies by calling 815-664-1561 to make an appointment with the Vice-President of Nursing. All questions will be answered in accordance with the 2004 Illinois Report Card Act.

Advanced Directives

St. Margaret's Hospital provides all adult patients with information on Advance Directives, legally valid documents which express a person's choice on life-sustaining treatments. Illinois law recognizes two types of Advance Directives: the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and the Living Will.

A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care permits you to name someone to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself. By designating someone you trust to act on your behalf, you are able to control decisions concerning your medical care and treatment.A Living Will allows you to state in advance what types of medical treatment you do or do not desire in case you develop a terminal illness and death is imminent.

For more information on Advance Directives, contact St. Margaret's Patient & Family Services Department at (815) 664-1486. If your civic organization would like to request a program on Advance Directives, call 815-664-1468.