Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital Opens Two New Patient Pavilions, Enhancing Patient Access to Advanced Care
Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital recently opened two new patient pavilions, a transformative project designed to meet growing patient demand and expand access to advanced medical care for communities across the northern suburbs.
The project adds approximately 290,000 square feet of new space, including two modern pavilions that significantly increase inpatient and observation capacity. The expansion introduces 96 medical‑surgical beds and 18 observation beds, nearly doubling the hospital’s previous capacity and supporting a more comfortable healing environment with all private rooms.
“This expansion reflects our continued commitment to providing exceptional care close to home,” said Seamus Collins, president, 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 newly expanded hospital also includes a new state-of-the-art emergency department, designed to accommodate increasing patient volumes and enhance the delivery of acute care. This includes additional diagnostic imaging capabilities, such as x‑ray, CT, and ultrasound, improving the efficiency of emergency evaluations and treatment.
In addition, the expansion strengthens the hospital’s specialty care offerings. The hospital recently secured state approval for a cardiac surgery program, enabling patients to receive advanced cardiovascular procedures locally rather than having to travel to Northwestern Medicine’s downtown campus. The new, advanced procedures are expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027. The expansion also supports the growth of complex and highly specialized services, broadening the scope of care offered on campus.
“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 improve access and convenience for patients and staff, the project included a new parking structure completed in 2024, adding 894 new spaces capacity to support increased hospital activity.
The campus enhancements also extend beyond clinical spaces. The design of the new pavilions integrates seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape, featuring native plantings, expanded green spaces, and walking paths that contribute to a welcoming, therapeutic environment.
“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.”
For more information about the expansion or available services, please go to Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital Campus Development.
