Northwest Community Healthcare celebrates 60 years

Exceptional care continues to expand to serve community

It was the early 1950s when a group of local citizens, backed by Stuart R. Paddock, Sr., began a fundraising campaign to build a hospital for the people of the northwest suburbs. A site was chosen on the north side of Central Road, and in 1959, Northwest Community Hospital, now called Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH) to represent the multiple location, integrated system of care, opened its doors.

“Sixty years ago, NCH was conceived by visionary people who believed that the members of the surrounding communities should have a hospital that provided the same advanced level of care that was offered at hospitals in downtown Chicago,” President and CEO Steve Scogna says.

In the first decade, the hospital experienced rapid growth, doubling its size from 110 to 223 beds. Today, NCH has 509 beds; a retail pharmacy; behavioral health center; state-of-the-art Wellness Center with spa and outdoor fitness yard; 23 doctor’s offices; five immediate care centers; seven physical rehabilitation sites; and 13 lab locations. It’s proud to remain an independent, not-for-profit organization.

Longtime success is due to a set of core values: compassion, commitment, excellence, integrity, collaboration and advancing knowledge. By carefully selecting skilled expert medical specialists and partnering with like-minded organizations and donors, NCH has been able to offer the latest treatments and technologies to serve patients in a primary service area of Arlington Heights, Barrington, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, Lake Zurich, Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows, Palatine, Prospect Heights, Schaumburg and Wheeling. Patients have come from much farther – even out of state – for expert care. A 50,000-square-foot medical complex in Kildeer on Rand Road is slated to open in early 2020.

“Decisions regarding the growth and expansion of NCH’s services and sites of care are guided by the needs of our community,” Scogna says. “That hasn’t changed in our 60-year history.”

NCH Community Services directs millions of dollars each year to benefit the uninsured and those in need of basic health care services.

“For 60 years, in both strong and challenging financial times, NCH has remained steadfast with its investment in outreach programs and services that impact the health and wellness of its community members,” says Executive Director of Community Services Karen Baker.

The NCH Foundation – the philanthropic arm of the hospital – develops relationships with donors who support NCH’s programs and services. Events like the annual NCH Golf Classic coming in July bring in much needed funds and support.

“We’re grateful to our donors here in the community who’ve helped us bring leading-edge technologies like the Halcyon for advanced cancer treatment, the Hybrid Cardiac Lab and many others to the northwest suburbs,” says NCH Foundation Executive Director David Ungurean. “This community truly has made a meaningful impact on the lives of thousands.”

The Foundation will mark the six-decade milestone at the 60^th Anniversary Gala, Saturday, September 21 at 6 p.m. at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center.

If you’d like to donate, visit nch.org/foundation.  For more information, visit nch.org.

Meet us at these summer events:

• August 3 @ Mane and Taste in Arlington Heights
• August 9 @ Outdoor Movie Night, Fred P. Hall Amphitheater in Palatine
• August 25 @ Feet Fest Family Adventure Run, Towne Square in Palatine

This story appeared in the Daily Herald’s Arlington Heights Residents’ Guide on June 28.