NorthShore University HealthSystem and Mayo Clinic Join Forces

EVANSTON, Ill., Sept. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) and Mayo Clinic today announced NorthShore as a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. This unique collaboration, the only one of its kind in the Chicago region, will provide NorthShore patients with access to medical resources and experts from both systems working together on their behalf. The agreement formalizes a longstanding relationship between the two institutions and promotes the collaborative efforts of physicians dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of complex medical conditions, including neurological, cancer and cardiovascular cases.

"The future of healthcare will be enhanced via the collaboration of strong partners finding new ways to share expertise to deliver the best outcomes for patients," said Mark Neaman, president and CEO of NorthShore. "NorthShore is proud to have some of the best and brightest physicians who will combine forces with their Mayo Clinic colleagues to offer patients an unrivaled team of specialists dedicated to their care."

"Healthcare in America is at a crossroads. Providers are seeking meaningful relationships that allow them to best address their patients' needs while improving the efficiency and effectiveness of care," said John H. Noseworthy, M.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic. "This collaboration is about advancing longstanding relationships with organizations like NorthShore, to share a commitment to improving care and value for our patients."

As part of the agreement, patients at NorthShore's Neurological Institute, Kellogg Cancer Center and Cardiovascular Center will benefit from exceptional care as leading specialists consult with Mayo Clinic experts on complex diagnosis and treatment plans. The clinical collaboration will also allow NorthShore physicians to facilitate patient visits to Mayo Clinic when necessary and offer follow-up care and expertise close to home for those patients who refer themselves to Mayo Clinic.

"When faced with a complex and difficult diagnosis, every patient wants and deserves a second opinion," said Joseph Golbus, M.D., president of the NorthShore Medical Group. "Patients travel from all over the world to consult with Mayo Clinic physicians. Thanks to this new collaboration, our patients will have seamless access to a network of experts from both institutions, without having to travel from home." 

"We selected NorthShore because we share a common philosophy, commitment and mission to improve the delivery of health care to our patients," said David Hayes, M.D., medical director of Mayo Clinic Care Network. "The Mayo Clinic Care Network is about providing access to the finest medical knowledge available, close to home. Through this collaboration, patients in the Chicago area will not only have access to top providers at NorthShore but also to the leading specialists at Mayo Clinic."

The relationship will also provide unique benefits. "As an innovative leader in health information technology, NorthShore will utilize the power of our electronic medical record and advanced data collection systems to develop with Mayo Clinic best care practices, enhanced clinical decision-making and improved patient outcomes," noted Neaman. "Additionally, NorthShore and Mayo Clinic are committed to sharing their expertise through community education. NorthShore will offer community forums on heart, cancer and neurological conditions and treatments that will feature NorthShore and Mayo Clinic experts."

The Mayo Clinic Care Network represents non-ownership relationships. Members are like-minded organizations that share a goal of improving the delivery of health care in their communities through high-quality, collaborative medical care. Launched last year, Mayo Clinic Care Network has membership that extends to Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire and North Dakota.

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. The NorthShore system includes an 800+ physician, multispecialty group practice with over 100 office locations. Further, NorthShore supports teaching and research as the principal teaching affiliate for the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.  NorthShore has helped to lead the nation in the advanced deployment of electronic medical record systems and the entire health system has received the prestigious designation as a Magnet recognized organization, demonstrating excellence in nursing and high standards in patient care.

About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care, research and education for people from all walks of life. For more information, visit http://www.mayoclinic.org/about and www.mayoclinic.org/news.

SOURCE NorthShore University HealthSystem and Mayo Clinic