Advocate Health Care announced a $1 billion investment to expand its South Side presence, aiming to address the significant health disparities in the area. This investment includes building a new 52-bed hospital on the former U.S. Steel site and expanding outpatient care. The new hospital, a $300 million project, will replace the existing 205-bed Advocate Trinity Hospital, which has served the South Side since 1895. The smaller size reflects a deliberate strategy to address the underutilization of hospital beds in the area, with a focus instead on preventative care and expanded outpatient services. The new facility will feature 36 surgery beds, four ICU beds, eight observation beds, a four-bed dialysis unit, and a 16-bay emergency room. Advocate plans to break ground late next year, keeping Trinity Hospital open until the new one is complete before demolishing it and creating a green space.
A significant portion of the investment, $700 million, will be dedicated to expanding primary and outpatient services. This includes the creation of 10 neighborhood care sites within community organizations, starting with one at the South Side YMCA in Woodlawn early next year. These sites will offer basic healthcare services, connect patients with primary care providers, and assist with access to resources like food, housing, and transportation. This expansion is projected to increase the number of annual doctor appointments by 85,000, including 5,000 additional OB-GYN appointments. A free prescription program and a mobile medical vehicle will further enhance accessibility. The Imani Village clinic will also undergo expansion, extending hours and adding services.
The initiative also includes a $25 million workforce development program creating 1,000 jobs for South Side residents within three years. Local and state officials praised the investment, highlighting its transformative potential for the community and its role in addressing decades of disinvestment. Advocate’s approach focuses on preventative care, aiming to reduce hospital admissions and improve overall health outcomes by addressing the root causes of chronic diseases. This project aligns with the development of a multibillion-dollar quantum computer campus on the site, signifying broader revitalization efforts in the area. Related Midwest is collaborating with Advocate on the hospital’s development.