1/1/2009 – The merger of Skokie Hospital (formerly Rush North Shore Medical Center) into NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) has been successfully completed effective today.

With the addition of Skokie Hospital, NorthShore University HealthSystem now has four hospitals to serve its patients.

“We are thrilled to open the New Year with the integration of Skokie Hospital into the NorthShore system,” said Mark Neaman, President and Chief Executive Officer, NorthShore University HealthSystem. “Skokie Hospital will continue to operate as an acute care facility while providing patients with enhanced access to healthcare, clinical programs and medical research of the highest caliber as part of the NorthShore system which also includes hospitals in Evanston, Glenbrook and Highland Park.”

NorthShore University HealthSystem has committed over $100 million dollars to enhance clinical programs, facilities, and technology at NorthShore Skokie Hospital. Some of these funds will be used for implementation of a comprehensive electronic medical record system (EMR). NorthShore was one of the first hospital systems in the nation to go completely paperless in 2003 with its electronic medical record system and has received national recognition for its accomplishments.