Member News Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 28, 2007
Silver Cross Recognized Nationally for Excellence in Treating Congestive Heart
Silver Cross Hospital was recently presented with a 2007 VHA Leadership Award for Clinical Excellence from VHA Inc., a national health care alliance. The award honors hospitals for meeting or exceeding national performance standards for clinical care in specific areas. Silver Cross won the award for its efforts in treatment of congestive heart failure, a condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood throughout the body. About 5 million people in the United States have heart failure, and the number is growing. Each year, another 550,000 people are diagnosed for the first time. It contributes to or causes about 300,000 deaths each year.
“This award validates the dedicated focus of our clinical staff and physicians to improve patient care,” said Paul Pawlak, President/CEO of Silver Cross Hospital. “By applying evidence-based measures across several departments, we are able to monitor and measure the overall rate of improvement in our congestive heart failure patients.”
VHA serves more than 2,400 health care organizations nationwide, including 1,400 hospitals. VHA reviewed the performance of its members in 2006 and 303 member hospitals won Clinical Excellence awards for achievements in at least one of seven clinical categories:
- treatment for heart attack patients
- prevention of surgical infections
- prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia
- treatment for congestive heart failure
- implementation of rapid response teams
- prevention of blood stream infections
- treatment for pneumonia patients
Silver Cross was one of only 12 hospitals in Illinois and the only hospital in the Chicago area it receive be recognized for clinical excellence. For more information about services and care at Silver Cross, visit www.silvercross.org or call (815) 740-1100.
About Silver Cross Hospital
Silver Cross Hospital, a not-for-profit healthcare provider, has been creating
world-class health care experiences for the southwest suburban communities for
112 years. Silver Cross has been recognized as one of our nation’s 100 Top
Hospitals by Solucient and as one of America’s Most Friendliest Hospitals by the
American Alliance of Healthcare Providers for three consecutive years.
Exceptional care. It’s not unusual. It’s simply the way you should be treated.
About VHA
VHA Inc., based in Irving, Texas, is a national alliance that provides
industry-leading supply chain management services and supports the formation of
regional and national networks to help members improve their clinical and
economic performance. With 17 offices across the U.S., VHA has a track record of
proven results in serving more than 2,400 health care organizations nationwide.