NorthShore Palliative Care Program Honored with Elite Accreditation

Program is one of two in Illinois and one of 16 in the country to receive Joint Commission honor

8/8/2012 - NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) earned Advanced Certification in palliative care from the Joint Commission, marking its Evanston Hospital program as one of the most distinguished in Illinois and the United States. NorthShore provides palliative care to more than 2000 patients annually at its Evanston, Glenview and Skokie hospitals and in its outpatient program.

"This accreditation shows we are leading the way amongst area providers," said Michael Marschke, MD, Director of Hospice and Palliative Care for NorthShore. "What sets our program apart is the way we are integrated into our hospitals, making it possible for us to be part of a patient's care from day one."

NorthShore even has a palliative care clinic in its top-ranked Kellogg Cancer Center, meaning the team of physicians, nurses and chaplains can make a connection with patients from the onset of their treatments. The palliative care team collaborates on strategies for easing pain and decisions about the use of medical technology and the most appropriate setting for receiving care.

"Palliative care comes at the most critical point in the healthcare continuum, and we take our responsibility to patients and their families very seriously," Dr. Marschke said. "Simply put, we see ourselves as patient advocates. We work as a team to bring dignity to their lives and honor their wishes as they navigate trying times."

NorthShore earned the accreditation as a result of an onsite review from the Joint Commission. The stringent certification program is designed to recognize only those providing the highest quality of palliative care.