A modernization milestone: Condell completes 22-bed expansion of intensive care unit in Libertyville
The latest addition to the expansive Advocate Condell Medical Center campus in Libertyville blends seamlessly just north of the main entrance. But what's inside is noticeably different.
Under construction since fall 2021, a 22-bed expansion of the intensive care unit now is complete atop what had been the second-floor roof. Part of a multiyear modernization project, the new ICU features larger rooms, technological upgrades and other elements designed to improve care for patients and accommodations for their families.
Today, patients will be moved from the existing 17-bed ICU to the new addition. The old space will be closed and modernized similar to the addition.
When that project is complete in early 2024, the number of available ICU beds will nearly double to 32. That will be the final phase of a $63.5 million project to relocate, modernize and expand ICU and medical/surgical services. “With the services this hospital provides, they needed more space for ICU patients,” said Kathy Miller, clinical manager of Condell's ICU department. She has been part of Advocate for 17 years and at Condell the past year and a half.
The overall project was approved by the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board in April 2020. The first phase, completed in October 2021, included an updated renal medical-surgical unit on the fifth floor of the medical center's West Tower.
As Lake County's only Level 1 trauma center, Advocate Condell is where the most critically injured patients are brought for care.
The new ICU is designed to be more modern and comfortable, with improved technology for those with complex and serious conditions or injuries.
“It's more conducive for a caring environment (and) healing,” Miller explained. “The ICU is a very stressful place.”
Clinical staff members were consulted during the design process to ensure the space would function smoothly for staff, patients and families.
“The family is part of the care team, too,” said Ryan Ollie, Advocate Condell's facilities and operations manager. “They're there to support their loved ones, so these new rooms create space for them to be there and present.”
The new rooms are nearly twice as large as those in the old ICU and can accommodate family members who want to stay overnight. All rooms are equipped with ceiling lifts to help move patients with limited mobility. They also have special ultraviolet lighting to help disinfect the restroom.
In addition to stand-alone negative pressure rooms, about half can be activated together as an isolation wing with negative pressure to treat patients with COVID-19 or other infectious diseases, according to Advocate Condell spokeswoman Grace Wong.
“One of the most exciting elements of our new ICU is the negative pressure wing,” she said. “In the event of another airborne pandemic, our HEPA exhaust fans can kick into 'pandemic mode' to ensure proper air circulation.”
Technology throughout the new unit will improve communication between nurses, doctors and others on the care team on different shifts, according to Advocate Condell. Relevant patient information, for example, is displayed on hallway room monitors linked to information coming off the board inside the room.
Condell Medical Center, founded in 1928 and established with a bequest by Elizabeth Condell, has changed and grown considerably since the groundbreaking in 2007 on a project to triple the size of the emergency department.
In 2008, Advocate Condell Medical Center was introduced after a merger with Advocate Health Care System was finalized. The nonprofit health providers merged in part to share the mission of expanding and elevating service, officials said at the time.
In June 2008, the village approved a 20-year master plan for the hospital campus that governs allowable uses on different areas of the property.