Lurie Children’s Expands Pediatric Care with New Hospital in Downers Grove

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago has announced plans to develop a new pediatric hospital in the Downers Grove area, aimed at enhancing healthcare access for families in southwestern suburbs. The facility will focus on low-acuity pediatric care, featuring a pediatric emergency department, surgical suites, inpatient beds, and specialized services in areas such as oncology, cardiology, gastroenterology, and orthopedics.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Lurie Children’s to bring internationally recognized pediatric care closer to home for families in the western suburbs,” stated Tom Shanley, MD, President & CEO of Lurie Children’s Hospital. He emphasized the importance of community engagement in shaping the new hospital, highlighting the organization’s commitment to listening to the needs of local families.

Expanding Access to Quality Pediatric Care

The new Downers Grove hospital is part of Lurie Children’s broader growth strategy, which aims to transition from a single hospital to an integrated pediatric healthcare system. This initiative focuses on improving access, enhancing patient outcomes, and delivering consistent excellence across various communities.

According to Richard Lehmuth, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Lurie Children’s, “Expanding access to world-class pediatric care is one of our most important goals.” He noted that the new facility will allow families to receive the same high standard of care they expect from Lurie Children’s, but in a more convenient location that is designed with community input.

The announcement follows the opening of a new outpatient center in Schaumburg in the previous year. In addition to its main hospital located in downtown Chicago, Lurie Children’s operates over 20 outpatient centers and collaborates with 10 partner hospitals throughout the Chicago area.

A Vision for the Future

“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. He added, “Together with our extraordinary team members and community partners, we are shaping the future of pediatric care wherever children and families need us most.”

The new hospital in Downers Grove is expected to meet the growing demand for pediatric services in the region, ensuring that families have access to specialized medical care closer to home. The project underscores Lurie Children’s dedication to excellence in pediatric healthcare and its proactive approach to community engagement in planning and development.

As the project progresses, Lurie Children’s aims to keep the community informed and involved, ensuring that the new facility effectively addresses the needs of children and families in the area.