Lurie Children's planning new Downers Grove-area hospital

 Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago are in the beginning stages of developing a new hospital in the southwest suburban Downers Grove area.

The low-acuity pediatric hospital is expected to include a pediatric emergency department, surgery suites, inpatient beds and key pediatric sub-specialties such as oncology, cardiology, gastroenterology and orthopedics, among others, Lurie Chidren's said in a press release.

"This is an exciting opportunity for Lurie Children’s to bring internationally recognized pediatric care closer to home for families in the western suburbs,” said Tom Shanley, MD, President & CEO of Lurie Children’s. “Just as important, we are committed to engaging the community — listening, learning and shaping this facility around the needs of the families we serve.” 

The Downers Grove-area hospital factors into Lurie Children's growth initiatives "from a single hospital to an integrated pediatric healthcare system focused on expanding access, improving outcomes and delivering consistent excellence across communities."

“As part of our long-term strategy, expanding access to world-class pediatric care is one of our most important goals,” said Richard Lehmuth, Senior Vice President and Chief strategy Officer at Lurie Children’s. “This new facility will allow us to extend the same high standard of care families expect from Lurie Children’s — delivering that care in a setting that is closer, more convenient and designed with the help of the community.” 

The announcement comes after Lurie Children's opened a new outpatient center last year in Schaumburg. In addition to its main hospital in downtown Chicago, Lurie Children’s offers care at  over 20 outpatient centers and 10 partner hospitals across the Chicago area.

"This expansion reflects who we are as an organization — mission-driven, confident in our strategy and deeply committed to the communities we serve,” said Shanley. “Together with our extraordinary team members and community partners, we are shaping the future of pediatric care wherever children and families need us most.”