RML Specialty Hospital is getting ready to celebrate a milestone anniversary!

Nearly thirty years ago, RML Specialty Hospital opened its doors to a unique patient population, consisting of those who had been on a ventilator in an ICU or regular hospital for anywhere from a few days to several weeks.  Those patients may have suffered a traumatic injury, a stroke, or other condition requiring a long-term recovery.  Regular hospitals are not structured to treat patients for such a long time, which is where RML Specialty Hospital comes in.

“RML Specialty Hospital began 30 years ago, focusing solely on a specialized ventilator weaning program,” said Jim Prister, President and CEO of RML.  “During that time, we’ve not only added wound management and medically complex services, we’ve become one of the world’s foremost experts in ventilation weaning.”

Only about 2% of patients in short-stay hospitals need a long-term hospital stay, which means many in the Hinsdale and Chicago communities aren’t familiar with RML Specialty Hospital.  “We have great partnerships with surrounding community hospitals, as well as with our owners, Loyola and the Advocate Health System,” said Prister.  “Our research is outstanding; we recently published a 10-year ventilation-weaning study, the largest ever performed.  We’re proud that many hospitals now use the updated information and enhancements recommended by our study.”

Tony Whirl joined RML Specialty Hospital 30 years ago, beginning as a respiratory therapist.  “I’d describe my time here as ‘evolving’,” said Whirl.  “We had three patients when I started, and the building was still under cosmetic construction.  I progressed into management, then into the Information Systems Department, where I work today.”

Whirl has thoroughly enjoyed his 30 years at RML.  “We have a tight-knit environment, with many employees having at least 20 years of service,” he added.  “Some patients come visit after their discharge, as they’ve formed attachments with their therapists and doctors during their long stay.  RML is a wonderful specialty hospital.”

RML Specialty Hospital

Tricia Vaisvila (630) 286-4125

5601 South County Line Rd., Hinsdale, IL

3435 West Van Buren, Chicago, IL

773-826-6300

[ www.rmlspecialtyhospital.com ]