Northwest Community, Central DuPage named top hospitals

Northwest Community Healthcare in Arlington Heights and Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield were among 92 hospitals nationwide name 2012 Top Hospitals by the Leapfrog Group.

The two suburban hospitals’ selection was based on the Leapfrog Group’s annual hospital survey, which measures performance on patient safety and quality of care.

The survey focuses on three critical areas of hospital care: how patients fare, resource use and management structures in place to prevent errors.

Leaders at both local hospitals welcomed Tuesday’s announcement.

“It is always rewarding to be recognized for achieving our goal of delivering the highest quality care for our patients who place their trust in our hospital and medical professionals,” said Bruce Crowther, president and CEO of Northwest Community Healthcare.

Brian Lemon, president of Central DuPage Hospital and executive vice president of parent company Cadence Health, called the honor a direct reflection of the commitment the hospital’s employees.

“Without the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts undertaken each and every day by the talented medical staff, physicians, and devoted CDH employees, this honor would not be possible,” he said.

Cadence Health was formed in March 2011 as a result of a merger between Central DuPage Health System in Winfield and Delnor Community Health System based in Geneva. For five consecutive years — 2006 through 2010 — Central DuPage Hospital was selected by Thomson Reuters as one of the “100 Top Hospitals in the U.S.”

Northwest Community Healthcare was founded in 1959. The hospital holds the prestigious Magnet designation for nursing excellence, is designated as a Primary Stroke Center and earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval in 2011.