Norwegian American Hospital ranks number one in Chicago, and fifth best among Illinois’ best performers for reduced hospital-acquired infection rates according to recently released preliminary federal data. This new data comes as hospitals prepare to be penalized annually by Medicare if improved patient care and lower infection rates are not met. The effort was implemented as part of the 2010 federal health law.

“At Norwegian American Hospital improving quality is our first priority. It starts with our leadership – the board of trustees and the executive team,” said José R. Sánchez, president and CEO of Norwegian American Hospital. “The executive team made quality their number one focus. We have a benchmark of zero for reducing hospital-acquired infections so every member of the team is responsible. We make sure it remains on the forefront of our agenda.”

Starting in October, Medicare will penalize hospitals that have the highest rates of infections and patient injuries. In Illinois, about 21 percent of the hospitals scored by Medicare would face penalties based on this preliminary data.