Bureau County is indeed fortunate to have a high number of top quality healthcare and care facilities, dentists, ophthalmologists, and specialty doctors. The Bureau County Dental Clinic and Department of Health provide services as well as Bureau Valley Area Hospice. Licensed sheltered-care facilities include Greenfield, Walnut Manor, Colonial Hall Care Center, and Liberty Village.

St. Margaret's Health

St. Margaret's Health was established as a hospital in Spring Valley by The Sisters of Mary of the Presentation in 1903. Newly added is a fifth surgical suite and enlarged recovery room. This became necessary for the increased growth and to accommodate new technology and equipment. The equipment, which suspends from the ceiling, conserves space and is used for orthopedics and other surgeries requiring the latest technology. St. Margaret's is one of the largest employers in the area, with over 650 employees working in the 19 locations of its network.

St. Margaret's continues to grow each year and is committed to utilizing the latest technology and evidence-based design as they move forward to meet the needs of the communities throughout the four counties served. For more information visit www.aboutsmh.org.

Perry Memorial Hospital

Perry Memorial Hospital in Princeton has been providing compassionate, quality health services since 1920. Perry has responded to the suggestions of their patients and patients' loved ones by embracing cutting edge technology and offering easy access to physicians and services.

The Hospital's Phase III construction was completed in the fall of 2009 and included a new hospital chapel, renovation of the main lobby, and the refurbishing of the business office and hospital cafeteria. The Auxiliary's gift shop was relocated in the main lobby. A conference room on the lower level was enlarged for additional meeting space, and mechanical equipment was upgraded. Next, will be the renovation of the second floor patient rooms.

Other services at Perry include the Perry Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Clinic, Pain Clinic, Medical Rehabilitation Department, Ambulatory Services, Surgical Services, Sleep Center, Special Procedures, Women's Healthcare Unit, Perry Home Medical Supply, and over 100 physicians representing 27 specialties. Visit www.perry-memorial.org.

Retirement living

Rewarding retirement living can be found at Greenfield and the Walnut Homestead Apartments.

Greenfield opened a 17-unit independent apartment building in 2007. Units include studios and 1 and 2 bedroom apartments ranging from 320- to 940-square-feet. Utilities, reserved parking, laundry facilities, kitchen appliances, meal plans, and activity programming are included. Gracious living on Park Avenue East provides the comforts of home and the security of community.

Walnut Homestead Apartments in Walnut, Illinois, provides eight units of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments for independent living. The complex has been locally owned since 1973 with the apartment complex built in 1997. Utilities, light housekeeping, lunch, and dinner are all provided in the monthly rent. Assistance needs are provided to the apartment tenants by the staff of Walnut Manor.