SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital: A Comprehensive Overview
SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital (SLU Hospital) stands as a prominent 356-bed non-profit, research, and academic medical center in St. Louis, Missouri. Providing tertiary care for the east Missouri region, it plays a vital role in the area's healthcare landscape.
Geography and Location
Strategically located along South Grand Boulevard in St. Louis, the hospital is easily accessible. Its location is also within easy walking distance of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Hospital. The hospital's location places it in the heart of the Saint Louis University Medical Center.
Historical Overview
The hospital's history is rich and intertwined with the legacy of Saint Louis University. Originally, the hospital was established through a partnership between the Jesuits of Saint Louis University and the Sisters of Saint Mary. The original structure was named Firmin Desloge Hospital, after its benefactor, Firmin V. Desloge.
In February 1930, St. Louis University received a significant bequest from the estate of Firmin Vincent Desloge, a member of the Desloge Family in America. This substantial contribution facilitated the construction of a hospital to serve St. Louis University and replace the old St. Mary's Hospital.
Continuous growth and the need for modern facilities led to the construction of a new hospital facility as an addition to the original structure. This addition was built directly behind the old Firmin Desloge Hospital.
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Ownership Transitions and Future Development
From 1998 to 2015, the hospital was owned by Tenet Healthcare Corporation. In June 2015, Saint Louis University announced its intention to reacquire the hospital and transfer it to SSM Health Care, a non-profit Catholic hospital system. This transition was completed in the third quarter of 2015.
As of October 2015, SSM Health was planning a significant investment to rebuild and expand the hospital. The plans included a substantial financial commitment to enhance the hospital's facilities and services. Various media outlets reported that demolishing the 1933 hospital tower was under consideration; however, SSM officials stated that no final decisions had been made.
Preservation Efforts
The Firmin Desloge Hospital building holds historical and architectural significance. Desloge scion Christopher Desloge launched an effort to preserve the hospital building and chapel. The preservation effort proposed adaptive uses, potentially including a museum dedicated to the African American experience in healthcare and nursing in St. Louis.
The preservation of the hospital garnered support from various organizations, including the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the Les Amis historical organization, and the Landmarks Association of St. Louis. The Landmarks Association emphasized the building's architectural significance and its potential eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
Community and Organizational Support
In February 2016, a letter urging the hospital's preservation was sent to SSM from a coalition of 31 groups. These included the Landmarks Association, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Missouri Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the Preservation Research Office, the American Institute of Architects, the Foundation for Commercial Philanthropy, and the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis, along with representatives from various neighborhood associations.
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The Foundation for Commercial Philanthropy proposed leasing floors of the tower to a nonprofit incubation center, seeking historic tax credits, and launching a fundraising campaign.
Redevelopment Plan
In November 2016, Saint Louis University presented a redevelopment plan to the St. Louis Planning Commission. The $750 million plan encompassed 400 acres in midtown St. Louis, including the Desloge Hospital Tower. The plan outlined various potential uses, including medical and educational facilities, offices, research facilities, and pharmacy facilities. The planning commission unanimously approved the plan.
According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Firmin Desloge tower appears to be safe for now.
Services and Facilities
SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital provides a comprehensive range of medical services. It is a certified Level I trauma center in both Missouri and Illinois, equipped to handle the most critical cases. The hospital also features a busy interventional radiology department.
Advanced Medical Training
The hospital serves as the medical teaching hospital for Saint Louis University School of Medicine and is exclusively staffed by the SLUCare Physician Group. This academic affiliation ensures that patients receive care from highly qualified physicians who are at the forefront of medical advancements.
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Clinical Skills Center
SLU's Clinical Skills Center (CSC) is one of the first in the United States. The CSC educational programs support students’ professional development and enhances students' skills and comfort in the clinical setting. The center provides students with opportunities to practice and refine their clinical skills using state-of-the-art equipment. It emphasizes the importance of approaching patients with sensitivity and compassion.
Medical Center Library
SLU’s Medical Center Library is located on the second floor of the Margaret Doisy Learning Resource Center. The library provides resources for health and graduate dental students for interprofessional education and care professionals at all levels of practice.
Other Facilities
The hospital houses labs on eight floors, clinical monitors, and other state-of-the-art examination equipment.
Affiliated Hospitals and Locations
SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital collaborates with various regional healthcare facilities in the St. Louis region and within a 150-mile radius. These affiliations expand the hospital's reach and allow it to provide care to a broader patient population.
Other affiliated hospitals include:
- SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital
- Mercy Hospital St. Louis, which is part of the Mercy Health Care System.
- St. Luke's Des Peres Hospital, a 143-bed acute care community hospital in St. Louis County.
- Mercy Hospital South, the third-largest medical center in the greater St. Louis area.
Student Health Services
Saint Louis University provides comprehensive health services to its students through the SLU Student Health Center. Located at 3518 Laclede Ave, the center offers a wide range of services for student health and wellness.
Primary Care
Nancy Z. Delaney, M.D., is the internal medicine physician at the Student Health Center, seeing patients Monday through Friday. Students can establish care with Dr. Delaney by scheduling an appointment. Jill Powell, M.D., also provides care at the center.
Women's Health
The Student Health Center provides comprehensive women's health services, including care for breast concerns, urinary concerns, STIs, and PCOS. All pregnant students are referred to SLU's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at SSM St. Mary's Hospital for prenatal care and delivery.
Psychiatry Services
Multiple psychiatry clinics are available throughout the week, staffed by an attending physician. These clinics provide mental health support to students.
Laboratory and Radiology Services
The Student Health Center has a laboratory on site, enabling it to perform various diagnostic tests. Radiological services are also available, performed by technologists registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. However, certain radiological services, such as CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are not available at the SHC. Outside Student Health Services are accepted.
Pharmacy Services
Medications prescribed by Student Health Center physicians can be dispensed at the time of service. However, students should be aware that certain medications may not be readily available if they are not prescribed by the center's physicians. For prescriptions from outside providers, students can utilize local pharmacies such as Walgreens, located at 3527 Chouteau Ave and 4218 Lindell Blvd.
Travel Health
The Student Health Center provides travel health services, offering vaccinations and information specific to students' travel destinations.
Health and Wellness Programs
SLU offers assistance to those seeking to quit tobacco use. The 2023 Missouri Assessment of College Health Behaviors (MACHB) survey indicates that vaping products dominate student tobacco use.
Patient and Visitor Information
SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital strives to provide a comfortable and supportive environment for patients and their families.
Spiritual Support
Spiritual support is available for patients and their families throughout their hospital stay. The hospital chapel is located on the 1st floor, near the Grand Cafeteria.
Gift Policy
To protect patients' health, outside gifts such as food, drinks, and flowers are generally discouraged.
Accommodation
Many area hotels offer low rates for patients and families who need accommodation during their hospital stay.
Dining
The Grand Cafeteria, located on the first floor of the hospital, offers a variety of dining options, including a salad bar, grill, pizza, and snack and beverage stations.
Parking and Accessibility
Patients and visitors can park in the covered garage on La Salle Street, directly across from the hospital. Discounted parking rates are available with validation. Valet parking services are also available at most entrances. All buildings at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital are accessible.
Achievements and Recognition
SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital has received recognition for its commitment to quality and patient care.
Level I Trauma Center
The hospital is a certified Level I trauma center in both Missouri and Illinois, signifying its ability to provide the highest level of care for trauma patients.
Vizient Connections Summit
SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital was represented at the 2025 Vizient Connections Summit, showcasing the work being done by its teams.
DAISY Award
Brandye and Stefanie were named the latest DAISY Award winners for SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital.
U.S. News & World Report Recognition
Jake Brooks, President of SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital - St. Charles and St. Joseph Hospital - Lake Saint Louis, recognized by U.S. News & World Report for excellence in heart care.
Recent Developments
Bridge Construction
A bridge has been constructed between the new SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital and SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital. This connection facilitates seamless transfer and collaboration between the two hospitals.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Support
Papa Johns locations across St. Louis are partnering with SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Collaborative Goal Setting
Jude Anderson and Austin Adams presented how annual collaborative goal setting through the Catchball process is driving improvements and leading to improved stakeholder buy-in.
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