What's Happening?
Lurie Children’s Hospital is planning to establish a new children's hospital in the Downers Grove area, marking its first facility with inpatient beds outside its main location in Streeterville. The proposed hospital will feature 40 to 50 inpatient beds,
an emergency department with approximately 40 rooms, and surgery suites. It will offer subspecialties such as oncology, cardiology, gastroenterology, and orthopedics. The facility is designed to be low-acuity, catering to children who do not require the most complex level of care available at Lurie’s downtown hospital. This initiative is part of Lurie’s broader strategy to expand its health system, which includes a recently opened outpatient center in Schaumburg and plans for a community health center in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. The hospital aims to address the substantial need for pediatric care in the region, as many community hospitals have closed their pediatric units in recent years.
Why It's Important?
The establishment of a new pediatric hospital by Lurie Children’s in Downers Grove is significant as it addresses the growing demand for specialized children's healthcare in the region. With many community hospitals closing their pediatric units, this facility will provide essential services closer to home for families in the western suburbs. It represents a strategic investment in local health infrastructure, potentially reducing the need for families to travel long distances for pediatric care. This expansion also reflects broader trends in the healthcare industry, where major health systems are increasing their footprint through new facilities and partnerships to meet community needs and enhance service delivery.
What's Next?
Lurie Children’s Hospital has yet to submit an application to the state Health Facilities and Services Review Board, which must approve the plans for the new hospital. If approved, the facility could open by late 2028 or early 2029. The hospital is still determining the specific location and cost of the project. As the planning progresses, Lurie will need to address logistical considerations, such as the potential relocation of services from its existing outpatient center in Westchester to the new hospital. The development will likely attract attention from local government officials, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders as it progresses.
