Choosing a medical care facility could have a potentially dangerous impact on your health if you’re not careful about where you choose to get treated. That’s why it’s important to have all the information available about the facility you might get critical healthcare for yourself and your loved ones. It’s always a good idea to know how a hospital performs and is rated and what violations and citations they may have on record.
In this series, we take data from sources like US News and World Reports and the IDPH to bring you an informative picture of how hospitals and healthcare centers all around Chicagoland are performing, what their ratings are, and any violations they may have. The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers can provide you with the help you need if you think medical malpractice has occurred. This article focuses on University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System.
University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System Overview
University of Illinois Hospital is a 462-bed government teaching hospital located on Chicago’s west side. Founded in 1919, it specializes in both general care as well as specialty surgery. It was given a “D” rating from the not-for-profit hospital grading organization Leapfrog. University of Illinois Hospital’s contact information is:
University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System
1740 W. Taylor St.
Chicago, IL 60612
312-996-3900
U.S. News & World Report Rankings for University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System
University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago, IL is rated high performing in 1 adult specialty and 6 procedures and conditions. It is a general medical and surgical facility. It is a teaching hospital. They are rated high performing for heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, ophthalmology, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and pneumonia. They are rated average for 10 procedures and conditions and not rated for 16 other procedures and conditions.
- National Ranking: Unranked
- Illinois Ranking: Unranked
IDPH Report Card for Hospitals
Illinois hospitals and healthcare facilities are evaluated by the IDPH depending on how they fare in terms of quality, safety, patient feedback, and other criteria measured in the Illinois Hospital Report Card and Consumer Guide to Health Care site. With these invaluable insights, patients and their family members can analyze the quality of care provided at different facilities. You have access to essential information like:
- medical and surgical services that may be provided,
- information about patient safety,
- information about staffing,
- ratings regarding patient satisfaction, and
- consumer protection laws in Illinois.
Illinois Designations
CDC Infection Data
Infections in healthcare institutions are a common but avoidable problem. In the case of an infection caused by inadequate sanitation at the hospital or surgical site infections, then it is likely that the hospital will be responsible for medical negligence. The CDC identified the following infections detected at University of Illinois Hospital:
- Three patients suffered a central line associated bloodstream infection in the adult neurological ICU in 2019.
- Five patients suffered a central line associated bloodstream infection in the adult medical/surgical ICU in 2019.
- One patient suffered a surgical site infection associated with a total knee replacement surgery in 2019.
- Nine patients were diagnosed with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection in 2019.
- Ninety-eight patients were diagnosed with clostridium difficile infection in 2019.
Illinois Department of Public Health Patient Safety Info
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, University of Illinois Hospital experienced a statistically significantly higher rate of postoperative lung embolism or deep vein thrombosis (clotting), accidental puncture and laceration, postoperative respiratory failure, and pressure ulcer (a sign of neglect). 65% of patients would “definitely recommend” the hospital to friends and family.
Medical Malpractice Recoveries Against University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System
An accurate metric to gauge the level of respect for a hospital amongst both its patients and staff is the number of medical malpractice claims filed against it. University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System has compensated victims of medical malpractice. Records show several notable settlements and verdicts. In 2012 alone, the University of Illinois Hospital paid out over $83.7 million in 33 medical malpractice cases. Notable recoveries include:
- $32 million for delayed diagnosis in an 8 year old girl, resulting in a quadruple amputation. The little girl was suffering from bacterial sepsis upon arrival at the hospital, but antibiotics were not administered until the next day. The delay in treatment proved critical, as the infection quickly spread, leading to the amputation of her limbs.
- $17.7 million for a 47 year old patient who suffered a brain stem herniation when hospital staff failed to monitor his intracranial pressure during surgery. He is now quadriplegic, cannot speak, and uses a feeding tube to stay alive.
- $10 million of a $30 million settlement for a baby’s brain damage. During routine surgery, the baby’s pulmonary artery was severed, leading to a catastrophic drop in his brain oxygen levels and severe brain damage.
- $7.5 million in delayed diagnosis in patient’s lung cancer, leading to his death.
- $7.25 million in delayed diagnosis in child’s sickle cell crisis, leading to hypoxia and brain damage.
These recoveries represent examples of medical malpractice lawsuits filed against the hospital. If something similar has happened to you or a loved one, you should consider having an attorney review your case. Other forms of medical malpractice can include:
- Failure to diagnose
- Pregnancy complications
- Botched surgeries
- Medical neglect and misdiagnosis
- Failure to monitor
- Bedsores
Medical malpractice claims normally involve complex medical issues and require thorough review. If you suspect medical malpractice, call our offices to discuss your situation.
What to Do If You Suspect Medical Malpractice
If you feel that medical negligence is the cause of your suffering, it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers are specialists in helping individuals obtain the justice they deserve when wronged by negligent patient care and unsafe practices. Our team has a long history of success in obtaining appropriate restitution for individuals who have been harmed by carelessness. Our team of highly knowledgeable attorneys will evaluate your case and provide you with the best possible advice on what to do next. Don’t hesitate any longer. Pick up the phone and call us for a free consultation. There’s absolutely no pressure or obligation involved.
How to Find Out if Your University of Illinois Hospital Doctor Has Been Disciplined
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has a database that consists of all the licensed doctors in Illinois. You can use this resource to look up your doctor’s licensing information and see if they have been disciplined by the state.
How to Search IDFPR License Info
Search for information by:
- Going to the IDFPR license search
- Select “Medical Board” under the License Type dropdown menu
- Enter your doctor’s first and last name
- Press “Detail” button next to your doctor’s name to see details
Examples of Disciplinary Actions You May Find
If your doctor has had disciplinary action taken against them, it will appear under the Disciplinary Actions section of the search. There are many different types of discipline actions that may appear: a reprimand; probation; suspension; summary or temporary suspension; revocation; refuse to renew; relinquished, surrendered, or permanent inactive; or fines.
More Resources to Research Your Doctor
If you’re searching to confirm the certification of your doctor or healthcare provider, the American Board of Medical Specialties has provided an easy-to-use resource on their website.
Contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers
If you think that medical negligence is the cause of your suffering, contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers. Our team has a long history of success in obtaining appropriate restitution for individuals who have been harmed by carelessness and medical negligence. We are committed to protecting your rights and fighting for justice on your behalf. Call us now for a free consultation. Don’t hesitate any longer; contact us today.
December 22nd, 2022
(312) 223-1700