Before you've settled in and feel like you're at home, you should take some time to review what health care options are best for you. Which one is closest to your neighborhood? Which specializes in children? St. Louis is fortunate to have many valuable hospital and health care system options, some of which are highlighted below.

BJC HEALTHCARE

BJC HealthCare is one of the largest nonprofit healthcare organizations in the United States, delivering services to residents primarily in the greater St. Louis, southern Illinois and mid-Missouri regions. With net revenue of $2.8 billion, BJC serves urban, suburban and rural communities and includes 13 hospitals and multiple community health locations. Services include inpatient and outpatient care, primary care, community health and wellness, workplace health, home health, community mental health, rehabilitation, long-term care and hospice. For more information, visit www.bjc.org.

BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL

With more than 1,100 staffed beds, Barnes-Jewish Hospital at Washington University Medical Center is the largest hospital in Missouri and is consistently ranked as one of the nation's top 10 hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. Barnes-Jewish Hospital's staff is composed of full-time academic faculty and community physicians of Washington University School of Medicine, supported by a house staff of residents, interns, fellows and other medical professionals. Recognizing its excellence in nursing care, Barnes-Jewish Hospital was the first adult hospital in Missouri to be certified as a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

For more information, visit www.barnesjewish.org. Address: 1 Barnes-Jewish Hospital Plaza, St. Louis, MO.

CARDINAL GLENNON CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER

This full-service pediatric hospital is celebrating 50 years of caring for children. The facility has cared
for children with conditions such as cancer, traumatic injuries and asthma, to name just a few. The medical center also offers a neonatal ICU and pediatric ICU as well as emergency, medical/surgical and rehab services. All patients and their families enjoy private rooms and room service meals. The Bob Costas Cancer Center is available to help those families affected by cancer. Opened in 1998, the center is a regional, comprehensive program dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer and other blood and immune disorders. Cardinal Glennon is affiliated with the Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

For more information, visit www.cardinalglennon.com. Address: 1465 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO.

CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL

Christian Hospital is a 493-bed acute-care medical center situated on 28 acres in unincorporated north St. Louis County. Located six miles west of Christian Hospital is Northwest HealthCare, which offers the community 24-hour emergency care and a variety of outpatient services in a convenient setting to complement hospital services. Christian Hospital is noted for its excellence in heart services, cardiothoracic surgery, emergency medicine, neurosurgery, cancer treatment, psychiatric services and substance abuse programs, radiology, urology, pulmonology and radiation oncology.

Christian Hospital, a nonprofit organization and a founding member of BJC HealthCare, has more than 600 physicians on staff and a diverse workforce of more than 2,500 healthcare professionals dedicated to providing the absolute best care with the latest technology and medical advances.

For more information, visit www.christianhospital.org. Address: 11133 Dunn Rd., St. Louis, MO.

DePAUL HEALTH CENTER

SSM DePaul Health Center, established in 1828, is currently undergoing expansion and renovation projects at their I-70 and I-270 campus. SSM DePaul offers expert technology and a compassionate staff with a complete line of services that include: cancer, heart, women's, seniors, mental health, neurosciences, orthopedic, weight-loss, surgical and outpatient procedures.

DePauls' cardiac services are in the top 5% nationally, and DePaul Cancer Care offers the first TomoTherapy unit in Missouri. DePaul was the only Missouri hospital to receive the Premier Award for Quality for treatment of pneumonia and heart failure. For more than 25 years, SSM DePaul has had all private patient rooms at no extra charge. DePaul Is part of SSM Health Care, the first health care winner of the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award.

For more information, visit www.ssmdepaul.com. Address: 1203 DePaul Drive, St. Louis, MO 63044.

DES PERES HOSPITAL

Des Peres Hospital is an acute care general hospital with all private inpatient rooms. They have served the residents of St. Louis and surrounding counties since 1974. Their Emergency Department is open 24/7 and is equipped to handle a wide range of emergencies - from appendicitis and tonsillitis, to broken bones and heart attacks.

The hospital provides quality medical and surgical care through a wide variety of services and programs, including senior care, heart care and orthopedics. HealthGrades, a health care quality ratings company, ranks Des Peres Hospital as No. 1 in Missouri, among the top five percent in the nation for joint replacement surgery and number one in St. Louis for overall orthopedic services for 2006. Des Peres Hospital is accredited by the American OsteopathicAssociation's Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program.  

Des Peres Hospital's Acute Care for the elderly unit puts older seniors under the care of a specialized, multidisciplinary team devoted to minimizing the adverse consequences of procedures, tests and medications, and to maintaining the patient's function levels in order to reduce the length of stay in the hospital.

For help with finding a primary care physician or a specialist, call 1-888-457-5201 or click on "Find a Physician" at www.despereshospital.com. Address: 2345 Dougherty Ferry Rd., St. Louis, MO.

FOREST PARK HOSPITAL

Forest Park Hospital, a community hospital with 397 licensed beds, is located at the intersection of Highway 40 and Forest Park, near the St. Louis Zoo and the Science Center and has served the St. Louis community for more than 100 years.

Forest Park Hospital offers a compliment of specialty services including Family Medicine, Oncology Services, Cardiology Services, Physical Rehabilitation, Wound Care and Hyperbarics Services and a Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program. Of particular importance are its programs focusing on older adults - a growing population whose special needs are addressed with in-depth expertise and compassionate care.

For more information, call general information at 314-768-3000 or visit www.forestparkhospital.com. Address: 6150 Oakland Ave.,
St. Louis, MO.

MISSOURI BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER

What began with one patient, one doctor and one room in 1884 has grown into a thriving medical center with 489 licensed beds, more than 1,400 staff physicians and more than 2,700 employees. They now offer the Cardiac & Vascular Center, the Missouri Baptist Cancer Center, the Breast HealthCare Center, the Digestive Disease Center and the unique Clinical Nursing Institute.

The Missouri Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Center's team of four cardiothoracic surgeons, 28 cardiologists and electrophysiologists and specially trained healthcare professionals specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of heart disease.

In the last five years, the cardiovascular surgeons at Missouri Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Center performed more heart surgeries than any other St. Louis area hospital.

Missouri Baptist Medical Center is a member of BJC HealthCare, an integrated healthcare delivery system that was the first healthcare system in the nation to join an academic center (Washington University School of Medicine) with suburban, rural and metropolitan-based healthcare facilities.

For more information, call (314) 996-5000 or visit www.missouribaptistmedicalcenter.org. Address: 3015 N. Ballas Rd., St. Louis, MO.

SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Saint Louis University Hospital has 356 licensed beds, employs more than 1,600 people, has a medical staff of more than 400 physicians and cares for more than 14,500 inpatients and 180,000 outpatients each year. Saint Louis University Hospital is the academic teaching hospital for Saint Louis University's health sciences professional clinical programs including the University's School of Medicine. The hospital has received numerous honors in recent years, including being the only St. Louis hospital named in AARP's Modern Maturity ranking of the United States' top 50 hospitals. Each year, Saint Louis University Hospital has several medical and surgical specialties ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

For more information, visit www.sluhospital.com. Address: 3635 Vista Ave., St. Louis, MO.

SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN - ST. LOUIS

Shriners Hospitals for Children - St. Louis is part of a 22-hospital system providing expert medical care in orthopaedics, burns and spinal cord injuries to children - all at no charge. Located at 2001 S. Lindbergh, just south of Interstate 40/64, it has provided help and hope to children since 1924. Shriners Hospital is a major care provider of pediatric orthopaedics in the Midwest. With a world-renowned medical staff, most of whom are on the faculty of Washington University School of Medicine, Shriners Hospital is one of the leading centers in the world for treating conditions such as limb-length discrepancies, upper extremity (hand, arm, shoulder) deformities, scoliosis, club foot, hip dysplasia and rare metabolic bone diseases, as well as the orthopedic conditions related to cerebral palsy and spina bifida.

All care at Shriners Hospitals is provided at no charge to the patients, families, insurance companies, taxpayers or any third party. Funding is provided solely by the Shrine fraternity and public donations.

For more information, visit www.shrinershq.org/shc/stlouis. Address: 2001 S. Lindbergh, St. Louis, MO.

SSM HEALTH CARE - ST. LOUIS

Sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Mary, SSM Health Care - St. Louis is committed to delivering quality patient care to the St. Louis area as embodied in its mission statement: "Through our exceptional health care services, we reveal the healing presence of God."

With nearly 11,000 employees and 2,000 staff physicians, SSM Health Care - St. Louis is one of the largest full-service health care networks in the St. Louis area. SSM Health Care - St. Louis includes eight hospitals and three affiliated hospitals, a Managed Care Organization, and a Physicians' Organization with 140 employed physicians in three medical groups: SSM Medical Group, SSM St. Charles Clinic Medical Group and SSM DePaul Medical Group. Other services include SSM Glennon Care for Kids, SSM Behavioral Health Services, SSM Chemical Dependency Services, and SSM Home Care.

To reach SSMHC's Physician Referral, Health Information and Wellness Program Registration hotline, call 314-SSM-DOCS (toll-free 866-SSM-DOCS) or visit www.ssmhealth.com.

SSM ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL WEST

SSM St. Joseph Hospital West is a 125-licensed bed hospital and the leading provider of health care services for western St. Charles, Warren and Lincoln counties. The hospital offers patients and visitors a broad range of exceptional services in a warm and welcoming environment.

SSM St. Joseph Hospital West is the leading provider of emergency and obstetrics services for the tri-county area. SSM St. Joseph Hospital West emergency department is a Level III Trauma Center, Chest Pain Center and Primary Stroke Center. The hospital is known for excellence in women's and children's services; offering the only inpatient-pediatric unit and a Level II nursery for the region. SSM St. Joseph Hospital West offers excellent services such as cardiology, oncology, radiology, interventional radiology, general and orthopedic surgery.

For more information, visit www.ssmstjosephwest.com. To find a physician near you, call toll-free at 1-866-SSM-DOCS (776-3627). Address: 100 Medical Plaza, Lake Saint Louis, MO.

ST. JOHN'S MERCY HEART HOSPITAL

For more than 125 years, St. John's Mercy Medical Center has provided comprehensive health services to the St. Louis community. Now, they bring their successes and experience in cardiovascular medicine to one unique facility - the St. John's Mercy Heart Hospital. Devoted exclusively to heart and vascular care, the new nine-level, 340,000-square-foot Heart Hospital features:

· 96 private patient rooms with accommodations for family members

· Nine procedure laboratories, including four interventional catheterization laboratories, two diagnostic catheterization laboratories, two electrophysiology laboratories and one peripheral vascular laboratory

· Five operating rooms

· On-site physician offices

· Integrated emergency department facilities

· Chest pain evaluation unit, one of only two in St.Louis accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers

· Specialized, process-focused nursing care

· Comprehensive inpatient and outpatient cardiovascula diagnostic services

· Customized, evidence-based care pathways

· Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation services

· Educational resources, wellness programs and nutritional services

· Clinical trials

Their team of cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons and other medical professionals provide advanced treatment options and technologies in a state-of-the-art healing environment.

For more information, call 1-866-78-HEART.

ST. JOHN'S MERCY MEDICAL CENTER

With a total of 1,166 licensed beds, St. John's Mercy is one of the largest Catholic-sponsored health care providers in the nation. Since 1871, it has been known for comprehensive family medical care, medical education, research, community services and dedication to the Mercy values of compassion and caring for all members of the community. St. John's Mercy Health Care is a member of the Sisters of Mercy Health System.

St. John's Mercy Medical Center in west St. Louis County includes: an 859-bed, fully accredited teaching hospital; the 100,000-square-foot David C. Pratt Cancer Center with advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities; the Women's & Children's Health Center, a two-story addition dedicated exclusively to mothers and babies and featuring all private rooms; a 120-bed Skilled Nursing Center; a Surgery Center that provides inpatient and outpatient surgeries; and a new Heart Hospital open in June 2006.

St. John's Mercy Hospital, a 187-bed acute care hospital in Washington, MO, offers medical, surgical, obstetric and pediatric services to residents of five rural counties southwest of St. Louis.

For more information, visit www.stjohnsmercy.org. Address: 615 S. New Ballas Rd., St. Louis, MO.

ST. LUKE'S HOSPITAL

Located in Chesterfield, this hospital's mission is to the faithful to the Episcopal-Presbyterian heritage and its ministry of healing. St. Luke's is dedicated to improving the health of the community and offers hundreds of wellness classes and events each year in the St. Louis community.

The hospital offers a full range of specialties, including cardiac services, women's services, oncology, pediatrics and neurosurgery, among others.

St. Luke's medical staff remains at the forefront of current developments, which allows them consistent recognition as a top 100 hospital in the nation for quality healthcare and outcomes.

For more information, visit stlukes-stl.com or call 314-434-1500.   Address: 232 S. Woods Mill Rd., Chesterfield, MO.

RETIREMENT & ASSISTED LIVING

The Gatesworth. Since opening in 1988, The Gatesworth, a pioneer in providing area seniors with a wide variety of quality services in a warm, residential environment, has won numerous local and national awards.

Residents enjoy a wide variety of activities, including regularly scheduled live musical performances, theater outings, day trips and more. The Fitness Center features state-of-the-art exercise equipment, a heated indoor pool and a complete schedule of fitness classes. Personal trainers can create a fitness plan to meet the needs of individual Residents. After a good workout, residents can relax and rejuvenate at Spa One.

Conveniently located at Delmar and I-170, The Gatesworth features resident suites ranging from a cozy one-bedroom to a two-bedroom suite with 2,200 square feet of living space. Apartments feature large, easy-open windows and state-of-the-art safety systems including an emergency response system, a full sprinkler system and smoke alarms. Please call (314) 993-0111 or visit
www.thegatesworth.com for more information.

McKnight Place Assisted Living, at Three McKnight Place on The Gatesworth campus, continues The Gatesworth tradition of excellence in senior living. Residents can take advantage of the broad range of services offered, including physical, occupational, speech and restorative therapies. Amenities include an on-site pharmacy, dental, podiatry, dermatology and ophthalmology services. Residents receive comprehensive evaluations monthly.

Residents at McKnight Place Assisted Living enjoy a schedule of diverse and stimulating activities and entertainment programs, scheduled transportation and outings, religious services, delicious meals served restaurant-style, daily housekeeping services, and linen and laundry services. The on-site hair and nail salon, library, gift shop, ice cream parlor and bistro provide many opportunities for socializing. Family visits are welcomed and encouraged.

The suites at McKnight Place Assisted Living are designed much like the finest hotel suites. They include spacious living rooms and bedrooms, private, handicap-accessible bathrooms and beautiful bay windows. Residents are encouraged to bring their own furniture and decorate according to their individual tastes. For more information, call (314) 997-5333 or visit www.mpassistedliving.com.

McKnight Place Extended Care, located on at Two McKnight Place on The Gatesworth campus, provides intermediate, rehabilitative and skilled care services for seniors.

The variety of programs and services available at McKnight Place Extended Care include physical, occupational and speech therapy services. Therapists work closely with the nursing staff and have extensive training in working with senior adults. Residents receive personalized treatments, and staff provides frequent updates to family members. The Wellness/Physical Therapy Center at McKnight Place Extended Care is fully equipped and available to all Residents.

McKnight Place Extended Care features an elegant, residential style. Rooms are highlighted by nine-foot ceilings, bay windows, elegant window treatments with cornices and coordinating bedspreads, plush carpeting and wallpaper. Each room is equipped with a 24-hour emergency response system. For more information, call (314) 993-2221 or visit www.mpextendedcare.com.

Parc Provence, provides "person-centered" skilled nursing, assisted living and memory care for senior adults in an innovative, residential environment, continuing the tradition of excellence set by The Gatesworth. The full range of care options offered at Parc Provence includes the area's finest Physical, Occupational and Speech therapies. A compassionate and professional team of registered nurses, counselors and therapists help empower each resident to function at his or her highest and best potential.

The healthy, nurturing environment at Parc Provence includes five unique and interconnected households made up of residents with compatible abilities and care levels. Each household has 10 resident suites, plus a spacious kitchen, living room, dining room, private laundry room, and an outdoor courtyard. Parc Provence looks and feels like home, giving residents the ability to continue their own lifestyle with the support and security they need.

Family members are welcome at Parc Provence and are encouraged to visit as often as they like and participate in activities with their loved ones. Resident Care Directors communicate regularly with families to share information about each resident's progress and well-being. Parc Provence is conveniently located in Creve Coeur. For more information, call (314) 542-2500   or visit www.parcprovence.com. 

ST. LOUIS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

Located just north of Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Children's Hospital at Washington University Medical Center is the oldest children's hospital west of the Mississippi River and is ranked among the nation's top children's hospitals by Child magazine and U.S. News & World Report. St. Louis Children's Hospital staff consists of full-time academic faculty and community physicians of Washington University School of Medicine, supported by a house staff of residents, interns, fellows and other medical professionals.

St. Louis Children's Hospital offers services in multiple fields of pediatric care, including cancer, heart, lung, neurosurgery, gastrointestinal, pediatric intensive care and emergency services. The hospital offers a wide variety of support groups and classes for parents and children.

The 454-KIDS or (314) 454-5437 is a parenting information and child's health answer line. If you are trying to find a physician for your child, the (314) 362-WELL line is also available for referrals to pediatricians and pediatric specialists.

For more information, visit www.stlouischildrens.org. Address: 1 Children's Place, St. Louis, MO.

BJC Healthcare - www.bjc.org
Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Ctr. - www.cardinalglennon.com
Christian Hospital - www.christianhospital.com
DePaul Health Center - www.ssmdepaul.com
Des Peres Hospital - www.despereshospital.com
Forest Park Hospital - www.forestparkhospital.com
Missouri Baptist Medical Center - www.missouribaptistmedicalcenter.org
Shriner's Hospital for Children-STL - www.shrinershq.org/shc/stlouis
SSM Healthcare Care - www.ssmhealth.com
SSM St. Joseph Hospital West - www.ssmstjosephwest.com
St. John's Mercy Medical Center - www.stjohnsmercy.org
St. Louis University Hospital - www.sluhospital.com
St. Luke's Hospital - www.stlukes-stl.com