URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) – The healthcare landscape in the Champaign-Urbana area is undergoing a major shift following OSF HealthCare’s (OSF) recent decision to reduce key services in the region. In response, Carle Foundation Hospital (CFH) and the broader Carle Health system are bracing for a significant increase in patient volumes and are implementing immediate measures to ensure continued access to timely, high-quality care.

“Carle Foundation Hospital is already one of the busiest emergency departments in the state,” said Holly Cook, Director of the CFH Emergency Department. “We are preparing now to serve more patients while maintaining the quality, safety and compassion our community depends on, and we’re asking our communities to help.”

To address the anticipated demand, Carle Health is taking several proactive steps, including:

• Increasing provider staffing at CFH’s Convenient Care Plus.
• Prioritizing same-day appointments across Primary Care clinics.
• Expanding virtual care with online Convenient Care visits.
• Promoting MyCarle’s self-scheduling tools for same-day access.
• Accelerating the expansion of CFH’s Emergency Department and relocating an expanded Convenient Care Plus to the South Clinic by November 2025.

To help residents navigate their care options efficiently, Carle Health also introduced two new resources:

• Carle.org/CareForCU – An online guide to help patients choose the right care setting for their needs.
• (217) 326-CARE – A dedicated phone line staffed by trained team members who can answer questions and direct patients appropriately.
• Carle Health is also calling on the community to play a vital role in preserving access to care. Community members are encouraged to:
• Choose the Right Care Setting: Selecting the appropriate care option—emergency, primary, virtual or urgent—helps reduce strain on high-demand services.
• Cancel Appointments if No Longer Needed: Freeing up slots for others ensures broader access.
• Be Patient: With increased demand, Carle is asking for understanding and patience from the public.

“Our mission to be a trusted partner in our patients’ healthcare journey guides every action we take, and we can’t do this alone,” said Elizabeth Angelo, President of CFH. “To truly care for our communities, we have to partner with our communities. By working together, we can make sure every patient gets the right care at the right place at the right time.”