Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital has opened two new patient pavilions, expanding its capacity and access to advanced care for communities in the northern suburbs. The project adds about 290,000 square feet of space, nearly doubling the hospital’s previous capacity with 96 new medical-surgical beds and 18 observation beds. All rooms are private.
“This expansion reflects our continued commitment to providing exceptional care close to home,” said Seamus Collins, president of Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital. “With more space, advanced capabilities, and a broader range of services, we are better equipped than ever to bring the world class care of Northwestern Medicine to patients across the area.”
The hospital now features a state-of-the-art emergency department designed for higher patient volumes and improved acute care delivery. New diagnostic imaging options such as x-ray, CT, and ultrasound aim to make emergency evaluations faster and more efficient.
Specialty care at the hospital is also expanding. With recent state approval for a cardiac surgery program, patients will soon be able to receive advanced cardiovascular procedures locally instead of traveling downtown. These services are expected to start in late 2026 or early 2027. The expansion supports growth in other complex specialties as well.
“Advancing cardiac care at Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital is not just about expanding services, it’s about elevating the standard of heart care for every patient who walks through our doors,” said Ian Cohen, MD, Charles and Barbara Strang Medical Director of Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital. “By integrating cutting‑edge technologies with a highly coordinated, patient‑centered approach, we are ensuring that our community has access to the most advanced cardiovascular treatments available closer to home.”
To support increased activity on campus, an additional parking structure was completed in 2024 with capacity for 894 vehicles.
The design of the new pavilions includes native landscaping and walking paths intended to create a therapeutic environment beyond clinical spaces.
“We are proud of what this expansion represents—not only for our hospital, but for the communities we serve,” Collins said. “As we enter this next chapter, we continue to bring the clinical power of Northwestern Medicine to our residents, while still honoring our community roots. Our mission remains on delivering the highest quality care with compassion, innovation, and excellence.”
Northwestern Medicine operates under its parent organization Northwestern Memorial HealthCare as part of its academic health system based in Chicago. The organization prioritizes high-quality patient care along with education and research initiatives (source). It is led by President and CEO Howard B. Chrisman (source). Programs supporting physician wellness have received national recognition (source), and humanitarian awards reflect its focus on compassion and community impact (source). Strategic collaborations further advance clinical research efforts (source).
For more information about these developments or available services at Lake Forest Hospital Campus Development visit their website.
