Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH) announced Friday morning March 27, 2020 the death of a patient, who was confirmed to have coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The patient, who had severe underlying health conditions, was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 on March 23, 2020, and passed away on March 27, 2020.
The hospital stated that the patient’s age was in the 60s, but did not initially release the patient’s gender.
Our team is deeply saddened by the patient’s passing. We extend our deepest condolences to this patient’s family during this very difficult time.
— NCH
The press release Friday, March 27, 2020 stated that NCH has been preparing for potential coronavirus patients to arrive in need of treatment since the earliest diagnosis of this global public health threat.
NCH treated the third patient that tested positive for Coronavirus COVID-19 on February 29, 2020. NCH confirmed the diagnosis on Monday morning March 2, 2020, issuing a statement that a patient diagnosed with coronavirus infection was in quarantine at the hospital, and that they are working with state and federal health agencies regarding the patient’s treatment.
The first Coronavirus death in Illinois was announced by the Illinois Department of Public Health at Gov. JB Pritzker’s daily press release on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
Yesterday, prior to the death of the patient at NCH on Friday, March 27, 2020, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced that there were 7 new deaths statewide for a total of 26 deaths in Illinois as of March 26, 2020. The IDPH also announced a total of 2538 cases in 37 counties in Illinois as of Thursday, March 26, 2020.
The March 27, 2020 press release also stated that the hospital is staffed with infectious disease specialists and equipped with the capabilities, training and facilities to provide the treatment necessary to care for a person with a complex or highly contagious disease. The hospital press release stated that the hospital continues to work closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to follow recommended hospital safety and infection control processes for all of patients and staff.
The March 27, 2020 press release also stated that NCH remains committed to working tirelessly on behalf of every patient that needs the hospital, and is committed to getting through the Coronavirus pandemic together with the community.
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