Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is a nonprofit pediatric medical center that serves as one of the top-ranked children's hospitals in the nation. Located in the Streeterville neighborhood of Chicago, it is known for providing superior pediatric care, cutting-edge treatments, and advanced research.

History

The hospital was originally founded in 1882 by Julia Foster Porter as the Maurice Porter Memorial Hospital, later renamed Children's Memorial Hospital in 1903. It was established to address the need for specialized pediatric care in Illinois following Porter's experience of losing her 13-year-old son, Maurice, to rheumatic fever. The hospital moved to its current facility in June 2012 and was renamed Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital in recognition of a significant donation from Ann Lurie, one of the largest in U.S. history for a children's hospital at the time.

Facilities and Operations

The hospital stands as the tallest children's hospital in the world, with a 23-story building and 288 beds. As of recent data, it has over 1,245 physicians specializing in 70 pediatric specialties. In 2014, it recorded 10,997 admissions, 512,625 outpatient visits, and 61,767 emergency department visits. Lurie Children's is recognized for its high rankings in various pediatric specialties and its commitment to patient care, research, education, and advocacy.

Research and Innovations

The hospital is home to the Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, which conducts extensive research in pediatric medicine. This research is organized into several scientific pillars, focusing on basic and preclinical science, clinical and community trials, community health, population health, outcomes, and quantitative science. Lurie Children's is also a national leader in pediatric liver transplantation and operates the only intestinal transplant program in Illinois.

Awards and Recognition

Lurie Children's has received numerous prestigious awards for its excellence in care and research. It has been consistently ranked as one of the nation's top children's hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. It was recognized with the Honor Roll award and ranked highly in various pediatric specialties. Additionally, it received a Magnet accreditation and was named a Joint Commission Top Performer.

Community Impact and Charity

The hospital provides extensive unreimbursed charity care and support for under-resourced communities through its community benefit programs. It is active in promoting children's health and well-being in Chicago and beyond, offering initiatives such as the Patrick M. Magoon Institute for Healthy Communities to provide essential healthcare to underserved neighborhoods.

Philanthropy and Support

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital is supported by significant philanthropic efforts, including the substantial donation by Ann Lurie that enabled the construction of its current facility. The hospital also benefits from annual events like the Chicago Dance Marathon, which raises funds for the hospital's programs and services.

Leadership and Partnerships

Lurie Children's collaborates with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and maintains partnerships with various healthcare organizations to enhance pediatric care across its community network. This includes integrating successful practices like Chicago Area Pediatrics into its primary care services.

In summary, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago stands as a leader in pediatric healthcare, driven by its mission to provide exceptional patient care, groundbreaking research, inspiring education, and relentless advocacy for children's health.