Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital has opened two new patient pavilions, nearly doubling its capacity and expanding access to advanced medical care for the northern suburbs. The addition brings about 290,000 square feet of new space to the hospital, including 96 medical-surgical beds and 18 observation beds. All rooms are private, which aims to create a more comfortable environment for patients.
Seamus Collins, president of Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital, stated, “This expansion reflects our continued commitment to providing exceptional care close to home. 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 project also features a new emergency department with expanded diagnostic imaging options such as x-ray, CT scans, and ultrasound. This upgrade is designed to handle higher patient volumes and improve emergency care delivery.
Specialty services have also been enhanced. The hospital received state approval for a cardiac surgery program that will allow local patients access to advanced cardiovascular procedures without traveling downtown. These procedures are expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027. The expansion supports growth in other complex and specialized services on campus as well.
Ian Cohen, MD, Charles and Barbara Strang Medical Director of Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital said, “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. 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.”
A parking structure completed in 2024 adds 894 spaces for staff and visitors in response to increased activity at the hospital.
Beyond clinical improvements, the design integrates natural landscaping with native plants and green spaces intended to create a therapeutic setting for patients and visitors.
Collins added, “We are proud of what this expansion represents—not only for our hospital, but for the communities we serve. 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. The health system focuses on patient-centered care that includes education and research as part of its mission (source). Howard B. Chrisman serves as president and chief executive officer (source). Northwestern Medicine is recognized nationally for supporting physician well-being and humanitarian service awards (source), reflecting values of compassion within both clinical practice and community engagement (source). The organization is known as a leading academic health system in Chicago committed to high-quality patient care through ongoing collaborations in research and education (source).
For further details about the expansion or available services at Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital Campus Development can be found online.
