Alton Memorial Hospital is a full-service, acute-care hospital located in Alton, Illinois, serving the River Bend region with a broad spectrum of inpatient and outpatient medical services. With roots in the community dating back to 1937, the hospital has grown into one of the leading healthcare facilities in southwestern Illinois, operating as a member of BJC HealthCare, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health systems.
Overview of Alton Memorial Hospital
Alton Memorial Hospital provides comprehensive acute care services to patients across Alton and its surrounding counties. The facility operates around the clock, seven days a week, and offers a wide range of medical, surgical, and diagnostic services under one roof.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Facility Name | Alton Memorial Hospital |
| Type | Voluntary Non-Profit, Acute-Care Hospital |
| Address | One Memorial Drive, Alton, IL 62002 |
| Phone | (618) 463-7311 |
| Parent System | BJC HealthCare |
| Licensed Beds | 179 licensed beds |
| Hours | Open 24 hours, 7 days a week |
| State Designations | Primary Stroke Center, Emergency Dept. Approved for Pediatrics, Perinatal II |
| Accreditation | Illinois Department of Public Health designated |
History and Background
Alton Memorial Hospital has served the Alton community since 1937, building a legacy of patient-centered care over more than eight decades. The hospital expanded significantly in March 2010 with the opening of the Duncan Wing, which added 76 private patient rooms, six observation rooms, a new main lobby, and on-site pharmacy and laboratory services. This expansion reflected the hospital’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure while maintaining the community focus it was built on. The facility joined the BJC HealthCare network, giving patients in the River Bend area access to the resources of one of the country’s largest nonprofit health systems.
Location and Campus
Alton Memorial Hospital sits at One Memorial Drive in Alton, Illinois, in the heart of the River Bend area of southwestern Illinois. The campus serves as the primary acute-care facility for Alton and the neighboring counties. Satellite labs and imaging centers serve the broader community in Bethalto and Godfrey, making diagnostic services more accessible to patients across the region.
Emergency Care Services
The hospital operates a 24-hour emergency department that is state-designated as an Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics, meaning it meets standards set by the Illinois Department of Public Health to provide optimal emergency care to pediatric patients. The facility also operates the region’s only hospital-based ALS (Advanced Life Support) ambulance service, ensuring rapid, advanced care from the moment of emergency response through hospital treatment. According to the Illinois Hospital Report Card, 73% of Alton Memorial patients say they would definitely recommend the hospital, a figure 6% higher than the state average.
Medical Specialties and Departments
Alton Memorial Hospital offers care across a broad range of clinical specialties. Patients have access to both common conditions and complex diagnoses managed by more than 392 affiliated physicians.
| Specialty | Services Offered |
|---|---|
| Cancer Care | Diagnosis, infusion therapy, radiation, Siteman Cancer Center Network access |
| Heart and Vascular | Interventional cardiology, diagnostic heart services, cardiac rehabilitation |
| Orthopedics | Joint replacement, sports medicine, fracture care |
| Bariatrics | Surgical and minimally invasive weight-loss procedures |
| Women’s Health | Labor and delivery, postpartum care, OB/GYN services |
| Neurosciences | Stroke care, neurological evaluation |
| Pulmonology | Respiratory care, pulmonary testing |
| Diabetes and Endocrinology | Diabetes management, endocrine disorders |
| Nephrology | Kidney disease management, renal services |
| Pain Management | Chronic pain treatment, interventional procedures |
| Palliative Care | Comfort-focused care for serious illness |
| Wound Care | Chronic wound treatment, wound healing programs |
Cancer Care Through the Siteman Cancer Center Network
Alton Memorial Hospital is a member of the Siteman Cancer Center Network, connecting patients in the Alton area to the resources of the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine. The Siteman Cancer Center holds the National Cancer Institute’s Comprehensive Cancer Center designation, the only such designation in Missouri, and received an “exceptional” rating from the NCI. Patients at Alton Memorial can access Siteman’s clinical trials, advanced diagnostics, radiation therapy, infusion services, and multidisciplinary oncology teams without leaving the River Bend area. According to the Siteman Cancer Center, the network provides access to more clinical trials than any other health system within a 240-mile radius.
Heart and Vascular Services
Alton Memorial Hospital offers a full suite of cardiac services, including interventional cardiology, diagnostic imaging, balloon angioplasty, and cardiac rehabilitation. The hospital also provides access to advanced medical imaging for heart conditions, including CT services, PET imaging, nuclear medicine, and open MRI through Twin Rivers MRI Center. Cardiologists at the facility prioritize early detection and preventive cardiology alongside treatment, following a care model aligned with standards endorsed by the American Heart Association.
Surgical Services
The hospital performs thousands of surgical procedures annually across multiple specialties. General surgery, bariatric surgery, orthopedic surgery, and minimally invasive procedures are all available on campus. The Duncan Wing houses the hospital’s Surgical Care Unit, Intermediate Care Unit, and Medical Care Unit, providing a modern, well-equipped environment for both planned and urgent surgical cases. The facility completed approximately 3,366 surgeries in 2021, reflecting the volume and breadth of its surgical program.
Diagnostic and Imaging Services
Alton Memorial Hospital offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic tools to support accurate and timely diagnosis across all departments. Medical imaging services include CT scanning, PET imaging, nuclear medicine, open MRI, and digital X-ray. Laboratory services operate on campus alongside imaging, providing results that support rapid clinical decision-making. Outpatient imaging locations in Bethalto and Godfrey extend access to diagnostic services for patients in surrounding communities.
Rehabilitation Services
The hospital provides inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation for patients recovering from surgery, stroke, cardiac events, orthopedic injuries, and other medical conditions. Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs help patients rebuild strength and function after heart or lung-related illness. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy services are available to patients across a range of care settings within the BJC HealthCare network. A long-term care facility at 1251 College Avenue in Alton also extends post-acute care options for patients who need continued support after hospitalization.
Women’s Health and Childbirth Center
The Women’s Health and Childbirth Center at Alton Memorial Hospital provides care throughout pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. The center has earned Baby-Friendly designation, a global program recognizing hospitals that meet standards for supporting breastfeeding and mother-infant bonding. The facility holds a Perinatal II state designation, reflecting its capacity to care for women and newborns at moderate risk. Services include obstetrics, gynecology, and a full range of women’s health screenings and preventive care.
Primary Stroke Center Designation
Alton Memorial Hospital carries a Primary Stroke Center designation from the Illinois Department of Public Health, reflecting its certification from a nationally recognized certifying body. The hospital maintains a dedicated stroke program staffed by trained professionals, with protocols for rapid assessment and treatment. The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that time-to-treatment is the most important factor in stroke outcomes, and Alton Memorial’s stroke protocols are designed to minimize delays from symptom onset to intervention.
Academic and Training Affiliations
Alton Memorial Hospital serves as a training site for Family Medicine residents through Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois. The hospital also hosts student rotations in nursing, pharmacy, and radiology for students from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville, Lewis and Clark Community College, and Southwestern Illinois College. These academic affiliations support the pipeline of healthcare professionals serving the River Bend region and reflect the hospital’s role in medical education.
Awards and Recognitions
Alton Memorial Hospital has earned consistent recognition from both regional and national organizations.
- U.S. News and World Report ranked Alton Memorial as High Performing in diabetes care and maternity care for 2025 and 2026.
- Consumer Reports previously ranked Alton Memorial as the safest hospital in Illinois and third safest in the United States.
- Four departments received top 2021 awards from Professional Research Consultants Inc. (PRC), including a Top Performer award for the Digestive Health Center.
- The Women’s Health and Childbirth Center earned Baby-Friendly designation.
- The hospital received a 2009-2010 Hospital Value Index: Best in Value Award from Data Advantage LLC.
Community Programs and Patient Support
Alton Memorial Hospital operates an active volunteer program that places trained volunteers throughout the hospital to provide comfort, assistance, and companionship to patients and their families. The hospital foundation, the Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation, supports community health initiatives in the River Bend area. Classes and events on health and wellness topics are available to community members throughout the year. Immigrant patients and families can also access support through the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights hotline, which the hospital promotes as part of its commitment to inclusive care.
Why Patients Choose Alton Memorial Hospital
Alton Memorial Hospital combines the resources of a large nonprofit health system with the personalized care of a community hospital. Patients in the River Bend area gain access to nationally recognized cancer care through the Siteman Cancer Center Network, advanced cardiac services, state-certified stroke and pediatric emergency care, and Baby-Friendly maternity services, all within their local community. The hospital’s consistent recognition from PRC, U.S. News, and Consumer Reports reflects a sustained record of clinical quality and patient satisfaction that few community hospitals in Illinois can match.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alton Memorial Hospital?
Alton Memorial Hospital is a full-service, acute-care community hospital in Alton, Illinois, part of BJC HealthCare. It has served the River Bend region since 1937 and offers a broad range of inpatient and outpatient medical services.
What are Alton Memorial Hospital’s hours?
Alton Memorial Hospital is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The emergency department and ambulance services operate around the clock at One Memorial Drive, Alton, IL 62002.
Does Alton Memorial Hospital have a cancer center?
Yes. Alton Memorial Hospital is part of the Siteman Cancer Center Network, giving patients access to the NCI-designated Siteman Cancer Center’s oncologists, clinical trials, infusion therapy, and radiation services.
What insurance does Alton Memorial Hospital accept?
Alton Memorial Hospital accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most major private insurance plans as part of the BJC HealthCare network. Patients should verify their specific plan coverage with the billing office at 618-463-7311.
How do I make an appointment at Alton Memorial Hospital?
Appointments can be made by calling 618-463-7311 or through the BJC HealthCare Find a Provider tool at bjc.org. MyChart is also available for existing patients to schedule visits and manage health records online.
Is Alton Memorial Hospital a teaching hospital?
Alton Memorial is a training site for Family Medicine residents through Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and hosts student rotations from SIUE, Lewis and Clark Community College, and Southwestern Illinois College.
What awards has Alton Memorial Hospital received?
The hospital earned U.S. News High Performing ratings in diabetes and maternity care, was ranked the safest hospital in Illinois by Consumer Reports, and received multiple top department awards from Professional Research Consultants Inc.
