Health

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Carle will 'vigorously' defend against lawsuit

URBANA – Carle Foundation Hospital and Carle Clinic say they will vigorously defend against a federal lawsuit filed by Suzanne Stratton, the hospital's former vice president for research who says she was fired for blowing the whistle on patient safety issues and other problems she found in Carle's cancer research program.

Stratton was fired nearly a year ago, on Nov. 18, 2008, by Carle hospital CEO Dr. James Leonard.

Excerpts of lawsuit filed against Carle Clinic, officials

Some excerpts from the lawsuit filed by Suzanne Stratton against Carle Clinic and officials there:

– Stratton believed Dr. Kendrith Rowland and Carle Clinic were consistently attempting to interfere with the hospital Institutional Review Board's independence to prevent Rowland's protocols from being subjected to full review as required by law. She also believed Rowland was concealing information from the board about adverse events and mistakes made in trials and preventing the board from reporting them to the government as required.

Ex-health district director indicted on 7 counts

URBANA – The former executive director of the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District has been indicted by a Champaign County grand jury on seven felony counts stemming from his behavior while in office in 2006 and 2007.

State's Attorney Julia Rietz was attending a conference Friday and could not be reached for comment, but Champaign police detective Pat Kelly, who has investigated Vito Palazzolo for more than two years, said Rietz planned to make a statement Monday about the charges against Palazzolo, 53, who was fired in August 2007.

Committee calls for new discussions between health agencies

URBANA – An ongoing dispute over budgets, services and priorities threatens to end the 11-year relationship between the Champaign County Board of Health and the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District.

A county board committee voted Wednesday to approve a "notice of termination" of the agreement between the two health agencies. The notice, which will go to the full county board later this month, does not mean an immediate split between the agencies, only that they have 12 months to negotiate a new intergovernmental agreement.

Vaccinations will continue next week at grade schools

CHAMPAIGN – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District plans to finish vaccinating elementary school children for H1N1/swine flu by the end of next week and to finish all school vaccinations by the end of the month, Administrator Julie Pryde said.

After elementary students have all had a chance for vaccinations, Pryde said, public health will move on to middle schools and then high schools.

Cancer survivors being sought as volunteers

CHAMPAIGN – Nobody understands better what it's like to be diagnosed with breast cancer than a breast cancer survivor.

And the American Cancer Society needs a lot of survivor volunteers to help the approximately 8,800 women and 60 men in Illinois expected to have been diagnosed with breast cancer by the end of this year.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Former research official sues Carle over firing

URBANA — Suzanne Stratton, the former vice president for research at Carle Foundation Hospital, has filed a federal lawsuit accusing the hospital of firing her for alerting authorities to patient safety issues and other problems she found in Carle’s cancer research program.

House Dems push for votes on health bill

WASHINGTON (AP) – House Democrats are scrambling to secure enough support to pass President Barack Obama's historic health overhaul initiative, working to soothe last-minute concerns from rank-and-file Democrats ahead of a make-or-break vote.

Voting is set for Saturday on the 10-year, $1.2 trillion legislation that embraces Obama's goals of extending health coverage to tens of millions of uninsured Americans and putting tough new restrictions on insurance companies.

Protesters rip Democrats' health care bill

WASHINGTON (AP) – Chanting "Kill the bill," thousands of conservatives incensed over the Democrats' health care overhaul protested at the Capitol on Thursday, arguing that the legislation amounts to a government takeover of the nation's medical system.

The crowd, invited on national television by Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., was staunchly anti-government – "Politicians lie, people die," read one sign – but loudly cheered the House Republicans who hosted the event. The protest attracted many of the so-called Tea Party demonstrators angry with increased spending and an expanded government role under the Obama administration.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Urbana critics wary of proposed Carle merger

URBANA – Urbana Mayor Laurel Prussing said she can't fully support a proposed merger of Carle Foundation Hospital and Carle Clinic until she's certain it won't heap an unfair burden on local taxpayers. And it's not enough for Carle to promise Urbana and other local governments that it will make payments in lieu of taxes on clinic properties that could one day become tax-exempt.

Majority leader: House will pass health bill Saturday

WASHINGTON (AP) – Majority Leader Steny Hoyer is predicting that the House will pass historic health care overhaul legislation Saturday to extend coverage to tens of millions of uninsured Americans and ban insurance companies from turning people away.

The Maryland Democrat said Thursday that House leaders would have the 218 votes needed to pass the sweeping bill that President Barack Obama has made a defining goal of his young administration – presuming a couple of final issues are resolved. Hoyer acknowledged that the vote could be tight.

Swine flu virus becomes top strain worldwide

LONDON (AP) – The World Health Organization's flu chief said the swine flu virus has now become the predominant flu strain worldwide.

In some countries, swine flu accounts for up to 70 percent of the flu viruses being sampled, said Dr. Keiji Fukuda, WHO's top flu official.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Vermilion H1N1 clinic's line 'moved very quickly'

DANVILLE – When the Vermilion County Health Department opened its first H1N1 influenza vaccine clinic on Tuesday, Clay Woodard of Catlin and his children – much to the kids' chagrin – were among the first to roll up their sleeves and get a shot.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Rantoul children will receive H1N1 vaccines today

Children in four Rantoul elementary schools are scheduled to receive H1N1/swine flu vaccinations today, but plans to vaccinate kids at other Champaign County schools this week will depend on whether another shipment of vaccine arrives Wednesday, says Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Administrator Julie Pryde.

The Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department also has scheduled flu shot clinics for H1N1.

H1N1 vaccine clinics scheduled in Vermilion County

DANVILLE – Today is the first day that the Vermilion County Health Department is holding H1N1 influenza vaccine clinics. Vaccinations are free, and no appointment is necessary.

But remember, you must be a person who is most at risk from complications of the virus in order to receive it.

Johnson: Health care bill not a bipartisan measure

CERRO GORDO – Americans will come to regret the day their Congress approved a national health care program, U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson predicted Monday night.

The five-term Urbana Republican spoke to a small group of about 30 people at the Cerro Gordo High School gymnasium. It was his 15th town hall meeting in the 15th Congressional District this year, and nearly all of the hourlong session was devoted to the upcoming health care vote.

2 tough health care issues remain in House

WASHINGTON (AP) – Just a few unsolved problems – and one final sales job – stand between House Democratic leaders and a landmark vote on President Barack Obama's promised remake of the nation's health care system.

Unfortunately for the Democrats, the unresolved issues are among the most vexing out there: abortion and immigration.

Cancer group to hold 3 vigils for health care overhaul

URBANA – In the decade since she's had breast cancer, Mindy Mangialardi has seen a lot of people struggling with both cancer and health insurance problems.

People who can't get coverage because of their cancer diagnosis. People who hit their annual, sometimes their lifetime, coverage caps and go broke trying to pay for the treatments themselves.

Monday, November 2, 2009

UI prof leads team that decodes DNA of pig

CHICAGO (AP) – An international group of scientists has decoded the DNA of the domestic pig, research that may one day prove useful in finding new treatments for both pigs and people, and perhaps aid in efforts for a new swine flu vaccine for pigs.

Pigs and humans are similar in size and makeup, and swine are often used in human research. Scientists say they rely on pigs to study everything from obesity and heart disease to skin disorders.

H1N1 vaccine to be offered at Christie on Windsor

CHAMPAIGN – Christie Clinic will offer H1N1 vaccinations from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 7 at its Windsor Road branch in Champaign. Injections will be available for Christie Clinic patients only who meet the following criteria: Pregnant women, mothers with children younger than 6 months old, and children and young adults ages 6 months to 24 years old.

Nasal vaccine will be available for healthy children and young adults ages 2 to 24.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Carle clinic/hospital merger: The sale -- and the tax

URBANA – The chief executives of Carle Clinic and Carle Foundation Hospital know it's bound to be a touchy subject when they start talking about a merger that could one day take a big chunk of Carle property out of the local tax base.

And, for anyone wondering about how big a financial hit the cities, the schools, the parks and other taxing districts would take if Carle Clinic properties one day become tax-exempt, here's the deal:

Friday, October 30, 2009

A traffic nightmare? UI game collides with trick or treat

Here's a scary Halloween story: Tens of thousands of (possibly frustrated) football fans will be driving through Champaign-Urbana just as costumed children hit the streets.

Change of disinfectants will alter smell, taste of water

CHAMPAIGN – Beginning Friday and continuing into January, Illinois American Water Co. customers may notice a change in the taste and smell of their water, according to the company.

Clinics plan to charge for H1N1 vaccine

CHAMPAIGN – Planning to get an H1N1 vaccination? Better check your insurance coverage.

$20 million loan announced for C-U sanitary expansion

CHAMPAIGN – The Urbana and Champaign Sanitary District is getting a $20 million interest-free loan from the state to pay for environmental projects to improve the wastewater system.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

UI receives H1N1 vaccine, but not the kind it needs

URBANA – H1N1 vaccine has arrived on the University of Illinois campus, but it came with two complications: It's the wrong kind for people who need it the most – those with chronic health conditions – and there's not enough of it to hold a walk-in vaccination clinic.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

H1N1 vaccine plans change; T'boro vaccinations Thursday

CHAMPAIGN – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District will begin H1N1 vaccinations Thursday at Thomasboro Grade School, district Administrator Julie Pryde said.

The public health district will then set up vaccination clinics in the two year-round Champaign schools that are in session Friday, Kenwood and Barkstall elementary schools. Plans to offer vaccinations at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Urbana on Friday were canceled because there wasn't enough time for the school to get ready, Pryde said.

UI gets some H1N1 vaccine, but...

URBANA — H1N1 vaccine has arrived on the University of Illinois campus, but it came with two complications:

It’s the wrong kind for people who need it the most — those with chronic health conditions —  and there’s not enough of it to hold a walk-in vaccination clinic.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Doctor not sunny on tanning chief's claim to cut risk

CHAMPAIGN – Looking to reduce your risk of getting breast cancer?

 

Some new billboards in Champaign-Urbana say it can be done by soaking up more sun or visiting a tanning salon.

But a local doctor said there are more legitimate, better ways to cut your risk.

DeWitt-Piatt to begin priority H1N1 flu-shot clinics

CLINTON – The DeWitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Department will begin public vaccination clinics Tuesday for H1N1/swine flu.

These clinics are for priority groups only. Those getting first priority for the vaccine include pregnant women, caregivers of infants younger than 6 months old, emergency medical and health care workers, anyone age 6 months to 24 years old and those age 25-64 who have chronic illnesses.

Friday, October 23, 2009

N-G reported on Carle Cancer Center in June

If you read about the Carle Cancer Center in the Friday New York Times, you might want to revisit the following story.

On June 18, 2009, The News-Gazette's Debra Pressey was the first to report that the federal government had barred the cancer center from enrolling new patients in its clinical trials.

Many area schools are feeling H1N1 flu virus's effects

Watseka High School started out the week with a slightly higher than normal absence rate, but by Wednesday, one-third of the students were home sick with the flu. With so many absences, the district decided to close the school Thursday and today.

Administrators at University Laboratory High School in Urbana faced the same decision Thursday morning, when they had 70 of their 310 students out sick.

Hospitals masking visitors as safety measure

URBANA – Walk into a hospital emergency room or convenient care center with flu symptoms, and you're going to be wearing a mask over your nose and mouth fast.

Not your style?

H1N1 largely absent so far in Danville-area schools

One case was confirmed Thursday in a Danville 6-year-old, but schools haven't had problems seen in other districts

Although Vermilion County health officials on Thursday confirmed that a Danville 6-year-old has tested positive for the H1N1 virus, school officials in Vermilion County said they haven't experienced a spike in absenteeism of students or teachers due to the flu.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Carle Foundation Hospital offers to buy Carle Clinic

URBANA – Carle Foundation Hospital has offered to purchase Carle Clinic and its subsidiary, Health Alliance Medical Plans, for $250 million, according to documents filed with the state this week.

Champaign County Nursing Home rates will rise

URBANA – A 3 percent increase in room and service rates will go into effect at the Champaign County Nursing Home, effective Dec. 1, the county board decided Tuesday night.

Daily skilled care and long-term care rates will increase from $150 to $155.

Orthodontist again offers cash for Halloween candy

CHAMPAIGN – Hey, kids, your Halloween candy could be worth some cold hard cash.

But there's a catch: You don't get to eat all those mini-chocolate bars and gummies you collect.

Donations sought for care packages to Iraq

DANVILLE – The Danville Knights of Columbus is collecting donations to prepare a Christmas mailing to Capt. Anne Sheahan, who serves as an Army nurse in the recovery unit at the combat support hospital at Al Asad Airbase in Iraq.

"I've been in regular contact with Annie," said Bob Gill, a Knights member. "I asked her what they could use over there, and she sent me a list."

Changes in Catlin wastewater pipe OK'd

CATLIN – Village officials voted Tuesday to have some changes made to a 20-foot-long vertical pipe at the wastewater plant.

Currently, the 6-inch-wide pipe runs along a concrete wall, then turns at a right angle and tapers to 4 inches in diameter to connect with a wastewater pump that has a 4-inch port.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

H1N1 vaccinations begin in November in Vermilion County

DANVILLE – The Vermilion County Health Department has received about half its order of H1N1 flu vaccine and will begin walk-in vaccination clinics next month in Danville, Hoopeston and Georgetown.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

C-U Public Health District offering vaccinations for kids

CHAMPAIGN – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District will begin offering walk-in H1N1 vaccination clinics for babies and children ages 6 months to 5 years old starting this morning.

Walk-in clinics will be held at the public health building at 201 W. Kenyon Road, C, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today through Friday, as long as the vaccine supply lasts.

Breast cancer seminar scheduled

URBANA – A free seminar about breast cancer risks and screening will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today on the second floor of the Carle Cancer Center, 509 W. University Ave., U.

The seminar will cover such topics as genetic risk assessments, advances in digital mammography and breast MRI and the importance of knowing who's reading your mammogram.

Monday, October 19, 2009

H1N1 vaccination clinic set for Tuesday for children in C-U

CHAMPAIGN — The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District will begin offering walk-in H1N1 vaccination clinics for babies and kids ages 6 months to 5 starting at Tuesday morning.

Man getting physical with fight against breast cancer

CHAMPAIGN – First, Terence Fitzgerald's mother had breast cancer.

Then his close friend was diagnosed with it last year.

Then he saw a program on TV about a breast cancer treatment center closing.

That did it. Fitzgerald, the special education and achievement coordinator for Champaign schools, decided he just had to do something crazy to get more people to pay attention to breast cancer and the suffering it causes women.

And what crazy thing does a guy choose when Evil Knievel was his childhood hero?

Starting at 11:30 p.m. Oct. 23, Fitzgerald will attempt to set a new world record for a marathon of physical activities exemplifying strength and endurance.

Paxton women planning events for heart campaign

PAXTON – Two Paxton women are organizing events in October to benefit the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign to fight women's heart disease.

Romanna Williams and Dawn Atkinson are organizing the second annual Red Dress Benefit at the Tin Pan Alley on Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Some parents torn about letting kids get H1N1 vaccine

CHAMPAIGN – When Nancy Hoetker's children ask her why they have to get seasonal flu shots every year, she always tells them influenza is a nasty illness they don't want to get.

Unfortunately, her 13-year-old son, Andrew, just suffered through his first nasty case of the flu this past week, she said. It started with a bad cough last Sunday, then quickly progressed to a sore throat, nausea, fever, chills, chest and head congestion, extreme fatigue and aches and pains all over.

Surgical technicians' demanding jobs in high demand

CHAMPAIGN – Joella Jones was a single mom in her 20s in search of a career.

And with two young daughters to support, she couldn't spend forever in college.

She discovered the surgical technology field when she was taking a science class, she recalls, and realized it was for her.

She enrolled in the surgical technology program at Parkland College, and went to work for Carle Foundation Hospital right after she graduated.

Some 25 years later, she can sum up how she feels about her job in three words:

"I love it."

Saturday, October 17, 2009

State pauses its premium payments to Health Alliance

URBANA – The state of Illinois' financial condition has become so bad that officials have told Urbana-based Health Alliance Medical Plans that the company won't receive any more premium payments from the state until Dec. 10.

Health Alliance insures 78,600 active state employees and employee dependents, and was last paid by the state Aug. 26 for the July premium. The state's average monthly premium payment to Health Alliance is $33 million, spokeswoman Jane Hayes said.

Carle Clinic cancels more flu shot dates

URBANA – The limited supply of seasonal flu vaccine has forced Carle Clinic to cancel more flu shot clinics.

Canceled are clinics scheduled for Tuesday and Nov. 5 in Monticello and Oct. 24 in Mahomet.

Shipment of H1N1 vaccines at UI going to health workers

URBANA – Parents of University of Illinois students wondering how soon their kids will be vaccinated for H1N1/swine flu will have to wonder a bit longer.

The UI McKinley Health Center received only a limited amount of H1N1 vaccine late this week from the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, and it's all designated for health care workers at McKinley, the College of Medicine and the College of Nursing, Director Dr. Robert Palinkas said.

Friday, October 16, 2009

UI still doesn't have H1N1 vaccine for students

URBANA — Parents of University of Illinois students wondering how soon their kids will be vaccinated for H1N1/swine flu will have to wonder a bit longer.

Carle cancels more flu shot clinics

URBANA — The limited supply of seasonal flu vaccine has forced Carle Clinic to cancel more flu shot clinics.

Gee whiz! The Beav makes a Danville stop

DANVILLE – Robin Johnson made an unexpected stop at the Danville Public Library on Thursday after driving by and seeing a big orange bus promoting prescription help.

Even more unexpected was seeing the prescription program's spokesman sitting in the lobby.

UI president says early years crucial for success of children

URBANA – In August 2006, B. Joseph White was bicycling around campus on move-in day – one of his favorite days of the year – talking to new students and their parents.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

First H1N1 vaccine, for health workers, has arrived

CHAMPAIGN — The first shipment of H1N1/swine flu vaccine has arrived at the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District.

Students hosting organ-donor drives on campuses

URBANA – When one of her close friends died, University of Illinois junior Lauren Wisniewski realized how many people would be helped because he was an organ donor.

Now she's encouraging others to become donors to help save the lives of more than 4,700 people in Illinois and 100,000 people nationwide waiting for organ or tissue transplants.

Volunteers sought to assist with H1N1 vaccine clinics

DANVILLE – Can you spare a little time to help the folks of Vermilion County get their H1N1/swine flu vaccinations?

The Vermilion County Health Department says it plans to hold 24 to 36 public vaccination clinics over the next few months, and that's going to require more staff than it has on the payroll.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Hoopeston bar fined for smoking-ban violation

DANVILLE – One of the first rulings under the state's new administrative review process for smoking ban violations upheld a Vermilion County Health Department fine against the Hoopeston bar, Deano's on Main.

Health department officials cited the business earlier this year when inspectors entered Deano's for a routine food inspection and a customer was smoking inside the business. The health department had received multiple complaints about smoking ban violations at Deano's prior to the inspector's visit, according to health department officials.

Disability expo to combine promotion, education

URBANA – If you'd like to check out the latest in accessible showers, watch a service-dog demonstration or experience how it feels to have a disability, head to Lincoln Square on Saturday.

The third annual "Reaching Out for Answers" Disability Resource Expo is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lincoln Square Village, 300 S. Broadway Ave., U.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Hospitals restricting visitors with flu-like symptoms

URBANA – Feeling flu-ish? If you are, some hospitals would like you to wear a surgical mask if you plan to visit their patients, and one hospital doesn't want you to visit at all if you're sick.

Provena United Samaritans Medical Center, Danville, will begin restricting hospital visitors to adults 18 and older without flu-like symptoms, starting Oct. 19.

Aunt Martha's health center expansion starts this week

DANVILLE – Work will begin within the week to double the size of the Aunt Martha's Vermilion Area Community Health Center at 614 N. Gilbert St., Danville.

More than 6,035 square feet of unoccupied space adjacent to the current center in the former Black's Hardware building will be renovated to add a dental clinic, including nine dental exam rooms, a dental lab and a waiting area; a reception area; a medical records room; a break room; five new behavioral-health offices; and a conference room.

Carle cancels its flu-shot clinics set through Sunday

URBANA – Carle Clinic has canceled its seasonal flu-shot clinics that were scheduled through Sunday.

Some seasonal flu vaccine remains available through Carle physician offices.

Provena's Danville sleep lab moving to larger facility

DANVILLE – Provena United Samaritans Medical Center plans to relocate and expand its sleep lab early next year.

The sleep lab – which offers diagnosis and treatment for sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, night terrors and narcolepsy – is currently at the Danville Polyclinic on Logan Avenue.

Life Remembered: Pritchard fought for disabled's rights

CHICAGO – When hundreds of disability rights activists converged on Chicago a couple of years ago, Lester Pritchard was in the thick of it.

He and other advocates wedged their wheelchairs in the revolving doors of the Thompson Center's three entrances, demanding then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich drop his plan to reopen Lincoln Developmental Center. They gained a meeting with the governor's chief of staff and, eventually, a promise to shut down the state institution for good.

Carle's occupational medicine clinic moves to annex

URBANA – Carle Clinic Occupational and Environmental Medicine has moved to the Carle North Annex, 810 W. Anthony Drive, U.

The new space, which opened Monday, has 5,540 square feet with a larger reception area, more exam rooms and more private offices, clinic officials said. There is also X-ray and free parking on site.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Carle cancels flu shot clinic; vaccine used up

URBANA – Carle Clinic has canceled its seasonal flu shot clinics that were scheduled for Oct. 12 through Oct. 18.

Clinic officials said Carle's vaccine supply has gone faster than usual because of a high demand for seasonal flu shots combined with a vaccine shortage in the area. The clinic had ordered flu vaccine based on the number of vaccinations given last year, but hasn't received its full order, according to Dr. Thomas Sutter, division head of occupational and environmental medicine.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Mental health grant panel has youngsters in mind

CHAMPAIGN – Adrienne Spires has been a counselor, educator and parent of two daughters.

It's that last job that landed her on a panel alongside academics and agency directors who will help decide how to spend a $9 million Champaign County mental health grant.

An interim steering committee appointed this week will begin the planning process for the six-year federal grant, and 10 of the 19 members are teens or parents. The money – $1 million the first year – comes from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA.

Students compete to register organ, tissue donors

URBANA – University of Illinois students are participating in a six-week competition intended to encourage students, faculty and alumni to become organ and tissue donors.

As a part of the challenge, student organizations such as the Students for Organ Donation, Student Nurses' Association and Student National Medical Association will get together to get the word out about donating. Students from 17 colleges and universities from around the state are competing.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Pneumonia shots recommended for millions in U.S.

URBANA – Getting a seasonal flu shot and then lining up for the new H1N1 flu vaccine won't offer enough protection for quite everyone this year, medical experts say.

Because of their age or health conditions, millions of Americans also need a pneumococcal vaccination – commonly referred to as a pneumonia shot – to protect against a common cause of bacterial pneumonia.

Baby-sitting may become an option at UI's ARC

CHAMPAIGN – We all know the impediments to exercise – you don't have time, you hate yourself in workout clothes, there's no one to watch the kids, etc.

Christie Clinic reschedules its flu-shot clinics

CHAMPAIGN – Christie Clinic is nearly out of seasonal flu vaccine and has postponed the rest of its public flu shot clinics.

More vaccine is on order, but it's not expected to arrive until next month, clinic officials said.

Nursing home worker to return after charges dropped

URBANA – An employee of the Champaign County Nursing Home accused last spring of hitting a resident is expected to be back on the job Monday.

Nursing home Administrator Andrew Buffenbarger said Sharoia Hill, 29, of Danville, had been on paid administrative leave since April 8. She was charged with aggravated battery the next day, accused of striking an Alzheimer's resident in the face while she worked as a certified nursing assistant in the Alzheimer's unit.