Advocate Condell recognized for excellence in stroke, heart care

Advocate Condell Medical Center has received national accreditation as a Primary Stroke Center and a top heart care designation.

Condell was named a Primary Stroke Center by Det Norske Veritas, an independent organization that accredits acute care and critical access hospitals.

Condell's recertification signifies that staff responding to stroke are following the best methods to identify and fast track stroke patients so that doctors can begin brain-saving treatments immediately. Condell has held the designation since 2012.

"Receiving Primary Stroke Center Certification from DNV is a testament to the quality of our stroke program," said Dr. John Piotrowski, medical director of the Emergency Department at Advocate Condell.

"We are proud of the teamwork and dedication by all who have worked to make stroke care the very best at Condell."

More than 400 patients came to Condell's Emergency Department with stroke symptoms in 2014.

As part of its review, DNV inspected actual and potential patient outcomes, as well as required processes, followed by the hospital's stroke care team. DNV surveyors also toured Condell, speaking with physicians, associates and patients, and examined clinical records, staff records and other documentation.

Advocate Condell Medical Center also was awarded Three Stars - the highest rating - by the Society of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Condell was highly rated in open heart and aortic valve replacements. This is the sixth consecutive three-star rating for Condell, placing it in the top 15 percent of hospitals across the country on a host of quality measures.