Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Marks Upcoming Opening of New Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital

The new state-of-the-art hospital, which broke ground in 2014, will provide patients convenient access to world-class physicians with seamless access to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Illinois's premier academic medical center when needed. The new Lake Forest Hospital will offer cutting-edge treatments and innovative clinical trials within a world class health system.

"The new Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital is symbolic of Northwestern Medicine's commitment to healthcare excellence close to where people live and work," said Dean M. Harrison, President and Chief Executive Officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. "Our Patients First mission drives all that we do."

The hospital's five interconnected pavilions provide an integrated foundation for inpatient and ambulatory care that includes:

• 114 private inpatient rooms;
• 72 outpatient care spaces;
• eight operating rooms;
• 106 clinic examination rooms.

The new facility offers collaborative spaces for caregivers and staff; a reduction in ambient noise; and, improved control over indoor lighting in patient, visitor, and staff areas.

"The legacy Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital served our community well for over 75 years.  Our new hospital and outpatient pavilions are now state-of-the-art and complement the surrounding landscape," said Thomas J. McAfee, President of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital. "We are honored to provide the community with a leading destination for health and wellness, while offering cutting-edge technology in a comfortable, beautiful and healing environment."

The hospital was designed for physicians and staff to take advantage of the resources of an integrated academic health system. For example, video conferencing for staff and real time video sharing in the operating rooms are available to enhance collaboration and care for patients.

The Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest campus includes 116 acres of open space, with more than 7,000 feet of pedestrian and bicycle paths, nearly 700 new trees and a six-acre pond to support storm water retention and reduce area flooding.

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit http://news.nm.org/about-northwestern-medicine.html.

SOURCE Northwestern Medicine