When Noel and Ruth Smith moved into La Grange Park in 1960, they were already familiar with La Grange Community Memorial Hospital. Ruth’s parents had lived in Western Springs until 1959 and frequently talked about the nearby 50-bed hospital that was constructed in 1955.

Over the years, both Noel and Ruth experienced care there as well as in other hospitals in Chicago, Indianapolis, and New York. “We think Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital is a very good institution, very reliable, and very convenient,” said Ruth.

“We really appreciate the Adventist commitment to deliver enhanced health care services to our community,” said Noel. “I’ve witnessed the evolution of the Cardiology department through my care there. Now I am becoming familiar with the Cancer Treatment Pavilion. The hospital's affiliation with the University of Chicago adds to the many benefits the community already receives. Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital is definitely a major contributor to the quality of life in this community.”

Recently, Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital added to its campus a five-story, state-of-the-art Patient Care Center. One of the main nursing stations was named after the Smiths following their contribution.

According to Sheila Horner, chief nursing officer, there are three nursing stations for each 24-bed nursing unit. “They are close to the patient rooms, so that increases patient accessibility and saves steps for staff. We also have a new call system that has a built-in tag line to let the care giver know what supplies are needed before getting to the room. Another change is patients no longer have to ride in the same elevator with visitors. The new facility features separate banks of elevators for patients, visitors, and staff."

The Patient Care Center, which opened last month, is receiving rave reviews, according to Ed Gervain, chief operating officer, who oversaw the construction of the project. “Everyone is pleased with the new patient- and staff-friendly facility. Each patient room is private with its own shower and has Internet hook-up, flat screen television, and pull-out sofas for family members,” noted Ed.

“This new facility showcases our staff’s compassionate role in the healing ministry,” says Tim Cook, chief executive officer. “We receive letters from former patients and their family members thanking us for the great care they received at Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital. They often refer to our staff as 'angels' and note the dedication of the people who work within our hospital walls. That dedication is something that crossed the threshold with us into the new facility. Our mission is to 'Extend the Healing Ministry of Christ' and our vision is that every person who enters Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital would catch a glimpse of Jesus’ love.”

Sheila explained, “We wanted our staff to focus on that dedication, mission, and vision, so as we trained the 1,200 employees regarding patient safety and orientation to the new building, we asked them to make a daily commitment to health care as a ministry, not just a job. Smiles are free. We want empowered employees to do what is right for the patient. We are all here because God has a plan for us to be a caring team, providing health care services with compassion.”

The Patient Care Center is now a facility that mirrors the spirit of the hospital. “We present one mind, one heart, and one spirit to the community. When our employees wear a lapel pin with the flame logo, it represents the commitment to the concept that health care is a ministry, not just a job,” noted Tim.

“We have established a strong standard of service that reflects our core value to the Creator. An example that the community has been blessed by our commitment is evident in the Dixon family’s contributions to Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital,” said Tim.

G. Grant Dixon Jr. was a tireless worker on annual fund-raisers that supported new technology and state-of-the art health care facilities, a champion for the hospital until his death in October 1996.

According to his wife Deborah Dixon, “Our family wanted to contribute something meaningful for the hospital and keep my husband’s legacy alive by doing something for the community.”

The Dixon family’s contribution to the Patient Care Center provided for a community education center and the Serenity Garden. Because of the strong support the family received when he was a patient, they specifically requested that the Serenity Garden be dedicated to the employees and staff of the hospital.

“The Serenity Garden will be a quiet place, providing respite for patients, their families, and hospital staff,” explained Beth Leuck, executive director, La Grange Memorial Hospital Foundation. The garden, nestled between the Dixon Education Center and the Birthing Center wing of the hospital, will include benches, tables, and a water feature, connected by a pathway winding through trees, shrubs, and flowers.”

Lynn Larson is a public relations specialist for Adventist Midwest Health.