More hospital services coming to Grayslake

Lake Forest Hospital will spend about $49 million on its Grayslake outpatient and acute care center now that it has state permission to provide cancer treatment and surgery there.

Board-certified doctors and registered nurses with trauma training already staff the facility near routes 120 and 45. Plans call for surgery and cancer treatment to begin in 2011.

Four, 500-square-foot operating suites and cancer treatment areas will be constructed at the facility. Lake Forest Hospital's surgeons, anesthesiologists and cancer specialists will be present during regular business hours.

Joseph Imperato, the hospital's medical staff president and a radiation oncologist, said cancer patients will especially benefit from the expanded service at the Grayslake operation.

"Cancer patients endure frequent visits," Imperato said. "The intensity of therapy may mean that patients must rely on family or friends to drive them to and from their appointments each week."

Thomas McAfee, the hospital's president and chief executive officer, said the extra outpatient services will cost about $49 million.

State officials also have granted approval to Lake Forest Hospital to convert the Grayslake building into a free-standing emergency facility. Last year, Grayslake village board members voted in favor of allowing a helicopter pad for the emergency center.