Member News Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 28, 2007
Silver Cross Plans New Medical Center in Frankfort
Silver Cross, one of the Top 100 Hospitals® in the nation for three consecutive years, received unanimous approval yesterday from the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board to build a new ambulatory care center in Frankfort-on Rt. 30 just east of Rt. 45.
The 40,000 square foot, million facility is expected to open in the fall of 2009 and will include walk-in Emergi-Care staffed by 24 hours, 7 days a week by emergency department trained physicians; high-tech diagnostic imaging including MRI, CT, mammography and X-ray; and a variety of primary and specialty care physician offices.
“Over the past decade, we have seen an increasing number of patients from Frankfort and the Lincoln Way area using existing services on the hospital campus, so it’s only natural that we make these services available right in their community-close to home,” said Paul Pawlak, President/CEO of Silver Cross Hospital.
The hospital is also building a similar facility in Homer Glen to replace the current medical center at 143rd and Bell Rd, which will open this October. In planning for both projects, Silver Cross conducted several community focus groups in addition to soliciting input from the medical community. “We learned that patients want their care to be personalized yet uncomplicated, so we are investing in trained staff and advanced technology to make each and every health care experience seamless,” said Theresa Quinn, Director of Ambulatory Care at Silver Cross.
For example when the new Silver Cross Health Center & Professional Buildings open, patients will be able to pre-register for tests online and can easily self check-in at the time of their appointment using automated kiosks in the lobby. This new technology, which is also being installed at the hospital in the next month, will speed-up the process by eliminating much of the daunting paperwork that occurs during registration while not sacrificing the quality of care and service.
Patients and physicians alike will also benefit from the hospital’s electronic medical record (EMR) network, which is the first of its kind in the region. If a patient is transferred to Silver Cross Hospital for additional care, their entire medical record will be available through the computer system before the patient even arrives. With this highly advanced electronic health network, patients will ultimately receive better care while eliminating any waits for test results or other medical information.
“We know that in today’s society, everyone’s time is very valuable,” says Quinn. “Therefore, we want to give our patients options in how they access our services. In return, will we go the extra mile to understand and even anticipate the needs and wants of each and every one of our patients. For example, if we know that Mrs. Smith likes to be called on her cell phone if we are running a few minutes behind schedule, we will do that. Or if Mr. Jones has a difficult time walking, we will be waiting for him in the parking lot with a wheelchair when he arrives.”
“We also wanted to create a healing environment, so we are establishing a calm atmosphere filled with soothing and natural light whenever possible,” said Quinn. “We also hope to work with local artists and schools to fill our community art gallery with cheerful artwork.”
In both facilities, Silver Cross plans to continue its long tradition of community outreach offering a variety of free educational classes and screenings. Last year, the hospital provided over million in community benefit and charity care.
Silver Cross is not new to the Frankfort area. In fact, the hospital has been serving the Lincoln Way community for over 112 years. For the past seven years, through a partnership with Lincoln Way East High School students enrolled in human anatomy and physiology class spend a semester at the hospital learning about different medical careers by rotating through 22 different areas including surgery, nursing and diagnostic imaging. Together, the students and the hospital staff will host a free Women’s Health Fair at the high school on May 19, from 8:30 to 12:30 p.m. The hospital is also an active member of the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce and has supported and participated in a variety of community events including the Chamber’s recent Women’s Luncheon, Concert on the Green and the annual Fall Fest Parade.
Over the last 20 years, Silver Cross has developed an extensive ambulatory network throughout the region that includes nine satellite facilities with over 90 physicians and an array of outpatient services such as X-ray, MRI, mammography, physical therapy, dialysis and occupational health care. These Silver Cross Health Center & Professional Buildings are located in Joliet, Homer Glen, Lemont, Morris, New Lenox, and Wilmington, and soon Frankfort. For more information or a referral to a physician at one of these locations call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325) or visit www.silvercross.org.