The Northwestern Memorial Hospital Emergency Department is a premier emergency care facility located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. As one of the busiest and most advanced emergency departments in the country, it provides comprehensive and specialized care to patients with a wide range of medical conditions, from minor injuries to life-threatening illnesses. With a strong commitment to delivering exceptional patient care, the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Emergency Department has established itself as a leader in emergency medicine, leveraging cutting-edge technology, innovative treatments, and a team of highly skilled and dedicated healthcare professionals.
Established in 1972, the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Emergency Department has a long history of providing high-quality emergency care to the Chicago community. Over the years, it has undergone significant transformations, expanding its facilities, updating its technology, and enhancing its services to meet the evolving needs of its patients. Today, the department is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including advanced imaging technologies, such as CT and MRI scanners, and specialized treatment areas, such as a dedicated trauma bay and a separate pediatric emergency department.
Key Points
- The Northwestern Memorial Hospital Emergency Department is a Level I trauma center, providing the highest level of care for critically injured patients.
- The department is staffed by a team of board-certified emergency medicine physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who are trained to handle a wide range of medical emergencies.
- The department offers specialized services, including a pediatric emergency department, a psychiatric emergency department, and a dedicated area for patients with minor injuries and illnesses.
- The department is equipped with advanced technology, including electronic medical records, computerized order entry, and advanced imaging technologies.
- The department has a strong commitment to patient satisfaction, with a focus on providing timely, efficient, and compassionate care to all patients.
Emergency Department Services

The Northwestern Memorial Hospital Emergency Department offers a comprehensive range of services, including emergency medical care, trauma care, pediatric emergency care, psychiatric emergency care, and minor care. The department is equipped to handle a wide range of medical conditions, from minor injuries and illnesses to life-threatening emergencies, such as heart attacks, strokes, and severe injuries. The department’s services are designed to provide patients with rapid, efficient, and effective care, minimizing wait times and ensuring that patients receive the medical attention they need as quickly as possible.
Trauma Care
The Northwestern Memorial Hospital Emergency Department is a Level I trauma center, providing the highest level of care for critically injured patients. The department’s trauma team is composed of experienced healthcare professionals, including trauma surgeons, emergency medicine physicians, nurses, and other specialists, who are trained to handle the most complex and critical injuries. The department’s trauma services include advanced imaging technologies, such as CT and MRI scanners, as well as specialized treatment areas, such as a dedicated trauma bay and a separate pediatric trauma bay.
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Care | Comprehensive medical care for patients with a wide range of medical conditions, from minor injuries to life-threatening illnesses. |
| Trauma Care | Advanced care for critically injured patients, including trauma surgeons, emergency medicine physicians, and other specialists. |
| Pediatric Emergency Care | Specialized care for children and adolescents, including a separate pediatric emergency department and a team of pediatric emergency medicine physicians. |
| Psychiatric Emergency Care | Comprehensive care for patients with mental health emergencies, including a dedicated psychiatric emergency department and a team of psychiatric specialists. |
| Minor Care | Convenient and efficient care for patients with minor injuries and illnesses, including a separate minor care area and a team of experienced healthcare professionals. |

Quality and Safety

The Northwestern Memorial Hospital Emergency Department is committed to providing high-quality, safe care to all patients. The department has implemented a range of quality and safety initiatives, including electronic medical records, computerized order entry, and advanced imaging technologies, to minimize errors and ensure that patients receive the best possible care. The department’s quality and safety initiatives are designed to provide patients with confidence in the care they receive, knowing that they are being treated by a team of experienced and dedicated healthcare professionals who are committed to delivering exceptional patient care.
Accreditation and Recognition
The Northwestern Memorial Hospital Emergency Department has received numerous accolades and recognition for its commitment to quality and safety, including accreditation from the Joint Commission and recognition as a Level I trauma center by the American College of Surgeons. The department’s accreditation and recognition reflect its strong commitment to providing exceptional patient care, with a focus on quality, safety, and patient satisfaction.
What are the hours of operation for the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Emergency Department?
+The Northwestern Memorial Hospital Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide emergency care to patients.
Do I need to make an appointment to be seen in the Emergency Department?
+No, appointments are not necessary to be seen in the Emergency Department. Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to patients with life-threatening conditions.
What types of medical conditions are treated in the Emergency Department?
+The Emergency Department treats a wide range of medical conditions, from minor injuries and illnesses to life-threatening emergencies, such as heart attacks, strokes, and severe injuries.
In conclusion, the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Emergency Department is a premier emergency care facility that provides comprehensive and specialized care to patients with a wide range of medical conditions. With its strong commitment to quality and safety, advanced technology, and team of experienced and dedicated healthcare professionals, the department has established itself as a leader in emergency medicine, delivering exceptional patient care to the Chicago community.