Ascension Saint Mary Chicago Ratings & Violations

Scores and ratings from health organizations provide patients with essential information about a hospital’s commitment to safety and quality. A history of violations suggests that the hospital does not prioritize best practices, putting people at risk of serious complications or even death.

Those who suffer medical negligence at Ascension Saint Mary have legal rights, including seeking compensation. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, a top personal injury law firm in Chicago, can assist you in exploring your options and holding Chicago hospitals accountable for negligence.

About Ascension Saint Mary

Overview

At 2233 West Division St, Chicago, IL 60622, Ascension Saint Mary serves Chicago’s Wicker Park and Ukrainian Village neighborhoods. This 469-bed hospital is part of the Ascension Saint Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center complex, which provides emergency, primary, and specialty care.

Ascension Saint Mary and Elizabeth services include obstetrics and gynecology, heart and vascular, cardiac rehabilitation, mental health services, oncology, bariatrics, and orthopedics.

Ownership and Affiliations

This Chicago hospital is part of the Ascension Saint Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center, also known as Presence Saint Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center. These two “sister complexes” are owned by Ascension Healthcare, one of the country’s largest Catholic nonprofit hospital systems. The hospital is often referred to as Ascension Saints Mary, too.

Ascension Saint Mary operates 136 hospitals in 18 states and the District of Columbia and 2,600 care sites, such as doctor’s offices and provider groups. It has approximately 37,000 medical providers and 131,000 employees.

Reputation and Performance

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) gives Ascension Saint Mary a 3-star quality and 2-star patient survey rating, which are average and below average, respectively [1].

Ascension Saint Mary – Chicago also has a B rating from Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a nonprofit healthcare watchdog organization [2].

US News and World Report lists Ascension Saint Mary as high-performing in heart attack and kidney failure care. However, Ascension Saint Mary has below-average hip and knee replacement scores. It also serves fewer Black individuals than the surrounding Chicago community and provides less charity than other medical organizations [3].

Notable Legal Actions Against Ascension Saint Mary Hospital

Failure to Monitor an Intravenous Device Resulting in Nerve Damage

Constance Parker filed a wrongful death lawsuit on March 20, 2017, against Ascension Saint Mary and Elizabeth Hospital on behalf of Rachel Bell, deceased. Bell was admitted to the Chicago hospital and received an intravenous device in her right arm and hand. The device impeded blood flow to her nerves and muscles, resulting in damage [4].

Negligent Physical Therapy Resulting in a Fall

On June 23, 2014, Miriam Hernandez was receiving manual physical therapy when she fell backward. With the help of Chicago slip and fall accident lawyers, she filed a lawsuit against the hospital on October 13, 2017, alleging that the Ascension Saint Mary facility did not ensure the area was free of slip and fall hazards [5].

Failure to Prevent Heart Attack Resulting in Disability

Wioletta Swierzbinski sued Ascension Saint Mary and Elizabeth Hospital on June 8, 2017, on behalf of her disabled husband, Robert Swierzbinski. Robert was admitted to the Chicago emergency room complaining of chest pain and weakness in June 2016.

Despite tests showing an abnormal electrocardiogram, doctors did not intervene, and Robert suffered a heart attack that resulted in an anoxic brain injury [6]. In the lawsuit, Chicago ER negligence lawyers alleged the staff at Ascension Saint Mary could have prevented the brain injury.

Inspection and Deficiency Reports at Ascension Saint Mary

Only 2.4% of staff at Ascension Saint Mary and Elizabeth are up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines compared to the 12.9% state average and 11.6% national average [7]. Additionally, none of the Chicago staff members in the psychiatric unit are up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines, which is very low compared to the 13.7% national average and 13.6% state average [8].

This Chicago facility also had a high rate of MRSA infections at 1.209 compared to the average performing hospital’s 0.793 rate. MRSA is a staph infection that most antibiotics cannot kill, making it incredibly dangerous for immunocompromised people [9].

Individuals at Ascension Saint Mary and Elizabeth often had to stay several days longer than the state average. For example, individuals suffering from psychosis stay at this Chicago facility for seven days, but the state average is only six [10]. Length of stay is an easy way to identify whether staff are doing enough to stabilize patients so that they can rehabilitate at home.

Patients complained that Chicago staff did not provide enough information about their treatment before discharge. Only 37% of Ascension Saint Mary survey respondents said they understood their aftercare before going home, compared to the 51% Illinois average and 52% national average [11].

Understanding Medical Negligence and Your Rights

Medical negligence is when Chicago doctors, nurses, and hospital staff do not uphold standards of care for their specialty, and it can put patients at risk of severe injury or death.

Common types of Chicago medical negligence that can happen at Ascension Saint Mary include:

• Surgical Errors – This can include operating on the wrong body part, cutting organs, or not monitoring patients during surgery.
• Medication Errors – Giving the wrong dosage or medication to someone can not only fail to treat their condition, but it can also lead to further complications.
• Improper Care – Chicago physicians must explain a patient’s treatment plan, such as the way they should exercise or clean their incisions. If they don’t, this is considered improper care.
• Failure to Diagnose – Missing vital diagnostic signs or failing to order the proper tests leads to treatment delays, which can result in severe harm or death.

Those who have suffered medical negligence at Ascension Saint Mary can contact a Chicago-based personal injury attorney to hold hospitals accountable. We’ll carefully investigate your case, including reviewing photos of your injuries and consulting with experts regarding your care, and then negotiate with the hospital for fair compensation.

Hospitals often settle out of court, as this helps protect their reputation and is an easy way to resolve a patient’s concerns. However, sometimes, it’s necessary to file a lawsuit. In this case, we will guide you through the Chicago legal process, including presenting your story before a judge and jury.

Secure Expert Legal Representation!

The medical negligence statute of limitations in Chicago, IL, is two years after the date of injury. Contact a lawyer immediately if you’ve been injured at Ascension Saint Mary.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is a leading personal injury law firm that has recovered millions for our clients. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay for our services unless we earn you a settlement. This way, you can recover in comfort without worrying about legal fees.

To schedule a consultation with a medical malpractice lawyer in Chicago, call us at (888) 424-5757 or use our online consultation request form.

References: [1] Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, [2] Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, [3] US News and World Report, [4] Cook County Register, [5] Cook County Register, [6] Cook County Register, [7] Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, [8] Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, [9] Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, [10] Illinois Hospital Report Card, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.