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

NorthShore University HealthSystem 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 University HealthSystem.  “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 University HealthSystem 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.

About NorthShore University HealthSystem

Headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) is a comprehensive, fully integrated, healthcare delivery system that serves the Chicago region. The system includes four hospitals in Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park and Skokie. NorthShore employs approximately 9,000 and has 2,400 affiliated physicians, including a 700+ physician, multispecialty group practice with over 80 office locations. Further, NorthShore supports teaching and research as the principal teaching affiliate for the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

The NorthShore Research Institute focuses on clinical and translational research, including leadership in outcomes research and clinical trials. The NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation is the primary philanthropic entity of NorthShore. The Foundation raises charitable contributions and engages volunteer friends in support of NorthShore’s ongoing mission to preserve and improve human life.