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Northwest Community Hospital celebrates turning 50 beginning today

Posted January 13, 2009 10:00 pm

At the hospital groundbreaking on Oct. 27, 1957, Charles Walters, right, chairman of the board, digs the first spadeful of earth as Stuart R. Paddock Sr., publisher of the Daily Herald, left, Nicholas Lattof, owner of Lattof Chevrolet, and John Bartizal observe. Courtesy Northwest Community Hospital

Northwest Community Hospital officials are observing a major milestone this year: the institution's 50th anniversary. They say it all started with a grass roots, neighborhood campaign.

They point to the high-profile civic and business leaders who literally went door-to-door circulating a petition stating the need for a local medical center to serve the growing Northwest suburbs.

When the hospital finally opened on Dec. 2, 1959, with 110 beds, it drew more than 10,000 people from the community to tour the facility and to get a firsthand look.

Flash forward 50 years, and hospital leaders still work to maintain the community roots, as evidenced by the yearlong celebration that kicks off with an event today for the employees.

They were to be treated to a '50s style party and encouraged to wear rolled-up jeans, poodle skirts, bobby socks and saddle shoes. Nurses were asked to dust off their nursing caps, and sport the retro look while telling patients about their milestone year.

"It's a good time to celebrate and acknowledge our 50 years of contributing to the community and the improved health that goes along with it," says Chief Executive Officer Bruce Crowther. "But we also want to look forward and celebrate our promise for the future -that as we look forward, we will have improved resources and the same kind of personalized service for many years to come."

Consequently, hospital officials point to efforts underway to make sure Northwest Community is a world-class medical provider and offers more amenities for its patients.

Less than 18 months ago, officials broke ground on its most ambitious development plan to date. The highlight of the $250 million makeover is an eight-story patient care addition, which includes a renovated emergency department, and seven-level parking deck.

While changing the skyline of Arlington Heights, the patient tower also sets a new standard of comfort, with its single-patient rooms including floor-to-ceiling windows and computers. There are balconies on every floor as well.

One thing that hasn't changed over the years, is the emphasis on personalized care delivered by the nearly 4,000 employees, 1,000 physicians and 900 volunteers.

"That really does make us different," Crowther says.

That's why many of the anniversary observances are aimed at hospital staff members, including a medical staff appreciation dinner and an employee service award dinner, both next month; a Doctors' Day celebration in March; and a volunteer luncheon in April.

Community celebrations start with the a gala dinner-dance on May 30 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and the Promenade of Art, which takes place in downtown Arlington Heights, May 30 and 31.

Next summer, the hospital also will sponsor free movie nights and outdoor concerts in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Mount Prospect and Palatine.

The culmination comes 50 years to the day after the hospital opened. On Dec. 2, patrons and supporters can attend a book-signing event for the coffee table-type history book being prepared for the occasion. It includes pictures and background information on how the community hospital grew along with the Northwest suburbs that are its home.

This is an aerial shot from the 1960s looking southeast, showing the hospital campus and Arlington Heights. Courtesy Northwest Community Hospital

The hospital's first annual Fashion Show was held in 1958. It continues to this day as the hospital's biggest fundraiser. Courtesy Northwest Community Hospital

This is an aerial shot from the 1960s looking southwest, showing the hospital campus and the former Nike missile defense site across Central Road. Courtesy Northwest Community Hospital

50th anniversary year events Jan. 14: Internal employee celebration, with staff encouraged to sport '50s outfits in honor of its founding in 1959 February: Medical staff appreciation dinner, employee service award luncheon March: Doctors' Day celebration April: Volunteer luncheon May 30: 50th anniversary gala at Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel May 30 and 31: Promenade of Art in downtown Arlington Heights July: Free movie nights and outdoor concerts in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Mount Prospect and Palatine October: Foundation sponsors fashion show fundraiser Dec. 2: 50th anniversary, celebrated with the release and signing of a coffee table history book, documenting the growth of the community hospital along with the Northwest suburbs

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