What Is the Children's Memorial Hospital?

Founded in 1882 by Julia Foster, the Children's Memorial Hospital is a not-for-profit children's general hospital in the Lincoln Park Neighborhood of Chicago. Although the hospital provides care for critically ill children both regionally and nationally, children from more than 30 countries also have received treatment there. As of 2011, Children's Memorial Hospital had more than 1,000 pediatric specialists whose expertise spanned dozens of pediatric specialties. The hospital was licensed for more than 250 beds.

Children's Memorial Hospital has been ranked highly in pediatric specialties such as cardiology, heart surgery and urology. A spectrum of services are also provided, including inpatient and outpatient services as well as patient and family support services. Furthermore, the hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission, an organization that certifies thousands of healthcare facilities in the United States.

Recognized as a teaching hospital, Children's Memorial Hospital offers a pediatrics residency program for students of Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. Each year, the Department of Pediatrics trains about 200 physicians. Student nurses from various U.S. nursing schools are also able to acquire vital clinical experiences over a range of specialties.

The Children's Memorial Research Center is housed within the hospital and was established in 1986. Adopting a multi-disciplinary approach, full-time faculty members research and investigate diseases in minors, increasing knowledge that leads to successful outcomes and thereby improving the lives of children. More than 100 investigators, 500 staff members and many trainees contribute to the various programs within the center.

Many accolades have been awarded to Children's Memorial Hospital. The Joint Commission has ranked the hospital among the top performers among U.S. hospitals in the quality of care that is provided to asthma patients. The hospital also has been highly ranked as an employer based on factors such as leadership, execution and working conditions.