In 2006, Rush University Medical Center began a 10-year project to build new facilities, renovate existing buildings and adopt state-of-the-art new technologies. Known as the Rush Transformation, this effort will reconfigure our campus and our processes to put our patients and their families at the center of everything we do. These changes will support Rush's mission: to provide the very best care for our patients.

The most comprehensive construction and facilities renovation program in Rush's more than 170-year history, the Rush Transformation will continue into 2016, and includes:

• A 14-story hospital building (to open in 2012); including the McCormick Center for Advanced Emergency Response
• The Orthopedic Building, a five-story outpatient care facility (opened 2009)
• A seven-story staff and student parking garage (opened 2009)
• A central energy plant (opened 2009)
• An underground loading dock and new material management system (opened 2009)
• Renovations to existing facilities (to begin in 2012)

Sustainable and Accessible

In addition to enabling the Medical Center to provide even better health care for our patients, the Rush Transformation will contribute to a healthier environment for our patients, employees and all of Chicago by incorporating numerous environmentally sustainable features. Rush is seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for its new hospital building. The U.S. Green Building Council, a nonprofit organization, awards LEED certification to buildings with high environmental standards.

Rush is committed to a culture of inclusion that makes care assessible. From the beginning, universal design standards also were incorporated into the Transformation design plans, ensuring barrier-free accessibility for people with disabilities. In fact, Rush has exceeded code requirements in many instances, striving for broad-spectrum solutions that accommodate the needs of people with and without disabilities.

Renovations To Existing Facilities

Rush's new hospital will complement the existing services provided in the rest of the Medical Center's facilities. The Rush Transformation also includes a complete redesign of Rush's outpatient cancer treatment services that will include the Coleman Foundation Comprehensive Clinics, scheduled to open in the spring of 2011. In addition, Rush's current facilities will be renovated following the opening of the new hospital.

One Patient, One Record

The Rush Transformation goes beyond bricks and mortar; it includes a unified electronic medical record system. Already implemented throughout the Medical Center, this system speeds patient registration and scheduling and provides caregivers with immediate access to complete, up-to-date patient medical information, improving safety and quality of care.

A Commitment to the Community

The Rush Transformation extends beyond the Medical Center's borders. As part of our longstanding commitment to the Near West Side, Rush has implemented a program to recruit and train members of the surrounding community to work on transformation and construction projects and has partnered with minority- and women-owned businesses.

Transforming the Landscape of Medicine

Every aspect of this project is focused on a common goal: enhancing the patient experience and improving the quality of care. Our new facilities and technology will better equip our physicians, nurses and other caregivers to meet this goal. Building on two centuries of clinical excellence, Rush's new hospital will transform the practice of medicine.

If you would like to contact the Rush Office of Transformation, send an e-mail to: facilities_questions@rush.edu.