One of the things that makes surgery at St. Vincent Medical Center/North (North) different is the central focus on the patient. The process respects the concerns and viewpoint of the patient, addressing their special needs, and those of their family members.

To many first-time patients, this is a pleasant surprise. It's something they haven't always encountered at other hospitals, but at North, it is the general rule whether it be our heart center, surgery center, headache clinic or just having a mammogram done.

Here at North we believe in continuum of care - and our standards are very high indeed. Everyone involved, from the patient to the doctor to the nurse, understands his or her part in the process, and what to expect of the others.

Because of our inspired quality of care and the standards we use, patients are back on their feet quickly. That means hospital stays are generally shorter and patients often are able to return to their homes faster.