Northwestern Medicine Names Lake Forest Hospital in Recognition of Landmark Gift

Lake Forest Hospital Griffin Renaming

Lake Forest, IL — October 8, 2025 — Northwestern Medicine announced today that the Lake Forest Hospital will be named in honor of Catherine Gratz Griffin, a former Lake Forest resident, following a generous gift from her son Kenneth C. Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel and founder of Griffin Catalyst. Among the largest in the health system’s history, the gift supports Northwestern Medicine’s Patients First mission. The hospital’s new name – Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital – was unveiled during a private ceremony.

“We are incredibly grateful to Ken Griffin for his generosity and support of our health system and our Patients First mission,” said Howard B. Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “This gift will have a lasting impact on our physicians, nurses and staff throughout our health system and ensure our ability to support our caregivers and clinical offerings.”

“The extraordinary care provided at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital is a reflection of the very qualities my mother has embodied throughout her life — selflessness, compassion, and an unwavering devotion to others,” said Mr. Griffin. “Our family is so proud to support the remarkable team at Northwestern Medicine, whose dedication helps countless people live healthier, more fulfilling lives.”

Ms. Gratz Griffin, a former Lake Forest resident, and her family have relied on Lake Forest Hospital for care across generations. She believes the hospital is distinguished by its patient-centric approach, blending clinical excellence of Northwestern Medicine with the community hospital feel that’s been the foundation of LFH for more than a century.

“Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital has always been a part of our lives, caring for my family and so many others with warmth and compassion. I feel so grateful to my son Ken for honoring this special place and supporting the people who make it what it is,” said Ms. Gratz Griffin. “I am so proud of him, not only for his generosity, but for the love and kindness behind it. It means the world to know that this tradition of caring will continue to touch families for generations to come.”

Opened in March 2018, the Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital is a state-of-the-art hospital, providing patients with convenient access to world-class physicians and when needed, seamless access to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The hospital's five interconnected pavilions provide an integrated foundation for inpatient and ambulatory care. The hospital was designed for physicians and staff to take advantage of the resources of an integrated academic health system. The campus includes 116 acres of open space, with more than 7,000 feet of pedestrian and bicycle paths, nearly 700 new trees when the hospital opened and a six-acre pond to support storm water retention and reduce area flooding.

To meet the growing demand for world-class, compassionate health care and rising patient volumes, the hospital will open two new pavilions in February 2026. This expansion includes:

• 96 new inpatient beds, including an additional 12 dedicated ICU beds
• A relocated and expanded Emergency Department to better serve the community
• Enhanced clinical capabilities in cancer care, cardiac services, and neurosciences

This strategic expansion underscores the health system’s commitment to advancing and improving patient access to health care in Chicago’s northern suburbs.

“We are honored to have our hospital named in recognition of a longtime Lake Forest resident who understands and appreciates the importance of having access to world-class health care in a community setting,” said Seamus Collins, president, Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital. “Continuing to build on a legacy of community support and with the future expansion of our hospital, we look forward to serving our patients and community for generations to come.”

To learn more about the full offerings of the Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital, visit Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital | Lake Forest, IL | Northwestern Medicine.

For more information about Northwestern Medicine, visit https://news.nm.org/.

About Griffin Catalyst

Griffin Catalyst is the civic engagement initiative of Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin, encompassing his philanthropic and community impact efforts. Tackling the world’s greatest challenges in innovative, action-oriented, and evidence-driven ways, Griffin Catalyst is dedicated to expanding opportunity and improving lives across six areas of focus: Education, Science & Medicine, Upward Mobility, Freedom & Democracy, Enterprise & Innovation, and Communities. For more information, visit griffincatalyst.org.

###