Advocate Good Shepherd Breaks Ground for Modernization

BARRINGTON, Ill.—The $247 million Campus Modernization project at Advocate Good Shepherd recently broke ground on the largest renovation project in the hospital’s history.

After six years of planning, hospital officials gathered Oct. 2 to celebrate the beginning of construction, which will improve patient care by enhancing privacy, offering advanced technology and creating more convenient inpatient and outpatient services.

“As construction occurs, you’ll see the results of thoughtful input from patients, doctors, associates, families, community groups, architects and engineers,” said Karen Lambert, hospital president, at the groundbreaking ceremony. “Through the devotion and support of Advocate and all of our generous friends, we start building it today.”

The project was designed by HOK, with offices in Chicago, and will be constructed by Minneapolis-headquartered Mortenson Construction.

Set for a December 2017 completion, the modernization project will add 18 medical intensive care unit beds and add eight new operating rooms. Four new inpatient units will also be built as well as three medical or surgical units.

Clinical services, including radiology, ambulatory care services, cardiovascular and pulmonary testing, and therapies, will be upgraded. Non-clinical areas will also be modernized including the hospital’s administration space, public or visitor space, circulation, materials management, lobby, simulation laboratory and the hospital’s chapel.

The project, which is aiming for LEED Silver certification, will build green roofs to provide energy conservation and absorb rainwater. The hospital also plans to implement several energy-efficient initiatives for higher efficiency and reintroduce native plant species in the landscaping.

Upgrades in medical technology are also a huge factor in the massive renovation. Smart room technology will be made available to all patients. Hospital staff will also benefit to upgrades in technology with high-tech imaging equipment for nearly instant access to MRIs, CT scans and digital X-rays during procedure. Advanced imaging technologies can capture and enlarge images taken during procedures that can then be viewed on wall-mounted screens. New state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic medical equipment will also be implemented in imaging, cardiology, surgery and physical therapy units.

As part of the modernization, all patient rooms will be made private to create a calmer, more healing environment.

“This campus modernization will truly bring Good Shepherd Hospital to the forefront of the community offering patients a quieter, more private setting to heal in with all private rooms,” Lambert said. “Now is our time to shine as we begin this momentous journey in building the hospital of the future.”

Site demolition will begin in December, and construction will begin on the hospital’s North building in January 2014.