Silver Cross Treats First Patients During 'Day in the Life' Tests

Nearly two weeks from opening its new campus in New Lenox, Silver Cross Hospital is making sure everything will run smoothly—right down to a routine checkup.

On Feb. 8, the hospital treated its first patients as part of a "day in the life" simulation taking place throughout the six-floor, 553,000-square-foot building.

"We want to make sure when we open that everything is safe and ready to go," said Ruth Colby, senior vice president of business development.

The hospital will move patients and officially open Sunday, Feb. 26. The testing this week included laboratory and X-ray orders, an outpatient stroke therapy check-in, wound care testing and even valet and guest services.

Longtime Silver Cross benefactors LaVerne and Dorothy Brown volunteered as the hospital's first "official" patients. They arrived at the front entrance and were greeted by hospital employees, then had their blood pressure taken.

In 2010, the Browns pledged $1 million to support the construction of the inpatient rehabilitation unit.

"We have always believed in Silver Cross Hospital's mission to provide quality health care services to our community," Dorothy Brown said. "We have first-hand experience of the wonderful care given in the hospital's rehabilitation unit."

The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago aims to help patients recover after suffering disabling conditions, such as a stroke, brain injuries, amputations and more. It includes a large room with exercise equipment and household items such as a washing machine and kitchen to help re-acclimate patients to everyday tasks.

Dr. Joseph Hindo performed the blood pressure test and said it was special to be a part of the new medical care campus.

"The Browns have been longtime patients of mine and are very supportive of the hospital," Hindo said. "It is really a unique opportunity to be here and have them as my first patients."