Advocate South Suburban Hospital recognized by IDPH for outstanding stroke care and outcomes

Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest, Ill. has been recognized as a Primary Stroke center by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).  The hospital earned this state accreditation for its exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care. 

The IDPH designation signifies that Advocate South Suburban Hospital has the critical stroke care elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes.  In short, the certification means that the hospital offers the very highest level of care for those who are having a stroke.

“Evidence shows that Primary Stroke Centers have better patient outcomes,” said Kenneth Holmes, MD, medical director of the Advocate South Suburban Hospital stroke program. ”This recognition validates the excellent stroke care provided right here in Hazel Crest.” 

Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the number one cause of adult disability in the U.S.  While nearly 800,000 Americans will have a stroke this year, there are estimates that as many as 80 percent of strokes are preventable.  Brain cells lacking the proper amount of blood flow begin to die within minutes. 

Advocate South Suburban Hospital also holds Primary Stroke Center designation from DNV, an international quality certification organization.   In addition, the hospital recently received the Get With The Guidelines®–Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award from the American Heart Association.