NorthShore University HealthSystem’s (NorthShore) Skokie Hospital is embarking on a major transformative renovation, with $100 million in construction projects scheduled during the next several years. The new infrastructure will expand core clinical services to enhance patient care.
“All of the hospital campus improvements were designed with the goal to better serve our growing community and with an unyielding commitment to improving patient care,” said Kristen Murtos, President at NorthShore’s Skokie Hospital.
This significant multiyear investment unfolds with a series of projects supporting NorthShore’s mission “to preserve and improve human life” by enhancing the Hospital’s core clinical capabilities with new and upgraded clinical spaces, as well as a completely renovated lobby and many other physical improvements. The upgraded facilities will provide a better environment for physicians and staff to give excellent patient care and will enhance the patient experience by improving their access to core clinical services and amenities.
A brand-new lobby is the first visible project of the construction plan and was opened with great fanfare in January 2010. The reconfigured lobby offers new areas for central registration and concierge services, as well as convenient, small seating areas for waiting patients and family members and improved pathways to clinical services. The new lobby also features an enlarged canopy for more convenient pick up and drop off area.
Patients will see greatly improved rooms in the future as well. Cosmetic upgrades to floors, walls, lighting and furniture are all planed. There will also be enhancements to telemetry systems and nurse call systems. Most visible will be the addition of Lodgenet, the HD interactive television system providing on-demand movies and games to patients as well as hospital information.
Substantial and less visible, behind-the-scenes work is also taking place to support ongoing clinical renovations. New mechanical improvements will provide the Skokie Hospital campus with increased cooling capacity, additional emergency power capabilities and more efficient mechanical systems. Wireless infrastructure to support our electronic medical record system is also being upgraded
The clinical service upgrades, scheduled to begin later this year include the relocation and upgrading of the clinical labs and ambulatory surgery unit, as well as the expansion and relocation of the Gastroenterology Lab, Cardiac Cath Lab, Cardiac Graphics, Radiology and Radiation Medicine. An expanded Pharmacy and Emergency Department, as well as an improved kitchen and dining room are also be under way.
A new 125,000-square-foot medical office building connected to the Hospital is also part of construction plans that reflect Skokie Hospital’s long-term commitment to the community and our exciting plans for the future.
The Skokie Hospital campus is undergoing an upgrade as well. Improvements to the roadways on campus as well as the entrances from Golf and Gross Point Road will aid in traffic flow at the Hospital. Increasing availability of patient and visitor parking is also planned.