Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital announced on March 19 the launch of its upgraded Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU), designed to deliver advanced stroke care to 20 communities in the western suburbs.
The new MSU aims to improve emergency response times and outcomes for stroke patients by providing immediate diagnosis and treatment before reaching the hospital. This is significant because timely intervention can reduce brain damage, increase chances of recovery, and lower the risk of long-term disability or death.
The custom-designed vehicle features a 32-slice CT scanner that allows for high-resolution imaging and faster scans. “Having a 32-slice CT scanner on board is a game-changer because it allows for an immediate and accurate diagnosis in the field,” said Harish Shownkeen, MD, medical director of the Stroke and Neurointerventional Surgery Programs at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital. “Once we’ve determined the type of stroke a patient is experiencing – whether it’s an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke – then we can administer life-saving treatment, all before reaching the hospital.”
A recent patient, Bill Riley Jr., shared his experience after suffering a stroke while attending a family wedding in July 2024. Riley credited his recovery to the quick actions of friends who recognized his symptoms and called emergency services, as well as to the MSU team. “I am incredibly grateful that this happened in a community where the hospital system has a mobile stroke unit. I fear that I would not have recovered as well as I have, or worse, I may not have survived the stroke if it weren’t for the quick response,” Riley said.
For patients treated in the MSU, average time from dispatch to administration of clot-busting medication is about 47 minutes—nearly 35 minutes faster than traditional emergency medical services. The MSU operates daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., covering 138 square miles across several communities including Carol Stream, Bartlett, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Winfield and others.
Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital’s MSU received DNV certification in June 2025—the second such accreditation worldwide—and has treated over three times more patients since its original launch in 2017. The hospital also holds Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center designation by The Joint Commission.
Northwestern Medicine recognizes community contributions through humanitarian awards that reflect values of compassion and impact according to the official website. The organization receives national recognition for programs supporting physician well-being and humanitarian awards honoring community service according to the official website. Northwestern Medicine functions under parent organization Northwestern Memorial HealthCare according to the official website.
The health system aims to provide world-class care through a mission focused on patient care, education, and research according to the official website. Howard B. Chrisman holds the role of president and chief executive officer for Northwestern Medicine according to the official website. Northwestern Medicine also engages in strategic collaborations to advance clinical research and education according to the official website.
