St. Luke’s University Health Network was recently awarded $401,700 under the 2018 Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service.
By connecting St. Luke’s Hospital–Bethlehem via telehealth equipment to the Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital in Orwigsburg, the project will provide more than 140,000 underserved rural patients better access to critically needed specialty care such as behavioral health services and chronic disease management.
“This is great news for historically-underserved rural populations,” said Dr. James Balshi, the Chief Medical Information Officer at St. Luke’s University Health Network. “The grant will improve access to St. Luke’s high quality, low cost care through tele-medicine, a high-tech solution to an age-old problem.”
The grant will also enable Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital staff to participate in virtual professional development training.
“Access to health care continues to be a top dinner table issue in our region,” said U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright. “As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will always speak up for funding programs that improve or expand access in our rural communities.”
An artist’s rendering of the new hospital in Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County, that will be built and operated jointly by St. Luke’s University Health Network and Geisinger. The facility will open later this year. (FILE PHOTO)
The new Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital, which is under construction near Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County, is scheduled to open later this year. The final steel beams were set into place at the construction site in November.
Made with American steel, the 120,000 square-foot hospital marks the first time in Pennsylvania history that two health care systems have agreed to equally co-own, build and manage a new hospital.
Hiring is under way for permanent positions paying attractive, family-sustaining wages and benefits. Doctors, nurses, technicians and other workers are needed to provide the inpatient care, surgery, radiology, lab and additional services the 80-bed hospital will feature, including an emergency department, medical/surgical suites and an intensive care unit.
Individuals who are interested in employment opportunities and in applying for positions can learn more by visiting sluhn.org/careers.
Potential candidates will be interviewed at a new hiring center located near the hospital construction site at 1021 Centre Turnpike near Orwigsburg.
Note: This local health news is brought to you in partnership with St. Luke’s University Health Network.