In the News

News Sun, March 8, 2007

LAKE FOREST -- An Illinois Senate committee Wednesday approved a plan that would allow Lake Forest Hospital to bring emergency medical services to the north and western portions of Lake County.

The legislation, introduced by state Sen. Susan Garrett, D-Lake Forest, would allow Lake Forest Hospital to expand its Grayslake acute care center to a freestanding emergency center.

"Critically injured patients will spend less time in an ambulance if an emergency room is closer to their doorstep," said Thomas McAfee, president and chief executive officer of Lake Forest Hospital, who traveled to Springfield to support the bill. "I'm glad to see such broad support for our plan in Springfield and back home."

Once approved by the General Assembly and a state planning board, the Grayslake freestanding emergency center could be operational by the end of 2007.

The current site has been home to the Lake Forest Hospital Outpatient & Acute Care Center, 1475 E. Belvidere Road, for three years.

Hospital officials said the center currently is open 16 1/2 hours a day and treats more than 21,000 patients each year, and is staffed by Lake Forest Hospital's board-certified emergency physicians and trauma-trained registered nurses.

Under the new plan, the facility would operate 24 hours a day with enhanced emergency capabilities, including ambulance bays and a helipad.

The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.