What's Happening?
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital has announced plans to invest $99 million in constructing a new cancer center on its Park Ridge campus. The proposed project involves a two-floor, 77,000-square-foot
addition to an existing outpatient facility, which will be connected via a walkway to create a Comprehensive Cancer Center. This expansion aims to consolidate and enhance outpatient cancer services, addressing the increasing demand for such services due to an aging population and improved access to cancer screenings. The hospital's application for the project is currently under review by the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board, and the project is expected to be operational by the end of 2028.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of cancer care facilities at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital is significant as it reflects a broader trend among Chicago-area hospitals to enhance their cancer treatment capabilities. This development is driven by projections from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, which anticipate a 49% increase in annual cancer cases between 2015 and 2050. As cancer care continues to advance, with survival rates improving, hospitals are positioning themselves to meet the growing demand for innovative treatments. The new center will provide a coordinated, fully integrated location with increased space and resources, potentially improving patient outcomes and access to care.
What's Next?
The next step for Advocate Lutheran General Hospital is to secure approval from the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board for the construction of the new cancer center. If approved, the hospital will proceed with the construction, aiming for completion by the end of 2028. This project is part of a larger trend of hospital expansions in the region, with other institutions like UChicago Medicine and Northwestern Memorial Hospital also planning significant investments in cancer care facilities. These developments are expected to enhance the region's capacity to provide cutting-edge cancer treatments and attract patients from a broader area.
