DOWNERS GROVE – When Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital opened its doors in 1976, a gallon of gas was 59 cents, “Rocky” was the top movie at the box office and Downers Grove was a sleepy bedroom community of Chicago. Much has changed in the ensuing 40 years; what hasn’t changed is Good Samaritan Hospital’s commitment to the community.
The hospital is celebrating its 40th anniversary on Oct. 11, 2016, marking four decades of service to Downers Grove and the surrounding communities.
Since opening, the hospital has continued to meet the changing needs of the community it serves. It has long been known for excellence in cardiovascular care; in 1994, then-Gov. Jim Edgar underwent quadruple bypass at Good Samaritan Hospital while serving in office. More than 1,800 babies annually are delivered here; the hospital’s Level III neonatal services represent the highest level of care in the state of Illinois.
“Good Samaritan Hospital has evolved from a community hospital to one of the top acute care health care providers in the country,” said David S. Fox, hospital president. “Our numerous awards represent external validation of our superior clinical outcomes and excellent service.”
Good Samaritan Hospital has been named a 100 Top Hospital in the U.S. by Truven Health Analytics seven times. It is the only Level I trauma center in DuPage County and the only health care organization in Illinois to earn the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. The American Nurses Credentialing Center awarded the hospital Magnet recognition for nursing excellence.
The hospital has embarked on two major modernization projects that will be completed soon. In 2017, the hospital will open its private room bed tower and convert rooms in the existing bed tower to private patient rooms. And it will open the Bhorade Cancer Center, a renovated and expanded space for outpatient cancer services.
“The future of Good Samaritan Hospital is bright,” said Dr. Charles Derus, vice president, medical management. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without the dedication of our associates, volunteers, physicians and community partners.”