Chicago-based Cook County Health and Hospitals System has applied with state regulators to build a new outpatient center. The new facility, equipped with a sleek exterior, is designed to attract a broader population of patients, according to Crain's Chicago Business.
Cook County Health, one of the nation's largest public hospital networks, plans to replace its 60-year-old Fantus Clinic outpatient facility with its proposed nine-story Central Campus Health Center. Replacing the outdated clinic is part of Cook County Health's broader strategic goal to enhance its outpatient footprint, according to Crain's.
The $137.7 million project would consolidate services and administrative offices that are currently divided between Fantus Clinic and two other buildings on the health system's Near West Side campus, such as dental services and cancer care, according to the report.
"Everyone has a choice today," said Doug Elwell, deputy CEO of finance and strategy at Cook County Health, according to the report. "We want to make sure we have the facilities that match our expertise."
Health system officials hope the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board, which oversees approval of healthcare projects to prevent duplicative services, will vote on the project in September.