Eight Hospitals Earn National Recognition as Investments Enhance Care, Expand Services, and Strengthen Workforce
One year after entering the Illinois healthcare landscape, Prime Healthcare and the Prime Healthcare Foundation have marked a significant milestone with more than $104 million invested across eight hospitals in the state. This first-year achievement reflects a comprehensive effort to strengthen hospital operations, enhance clinical care, modernize infrastructure, and expand access to essential healthcare services—while also preserving over 13,000 jobs and creating more than 1,000 new employment opportunities.
The anniversary highlights a transformative year defined by strategic investment, operational improvements, and a clear focus on advancing healthcare quality and equity. Prime Healthcare’s entry into Illinois came at a time when many hospitals nationwide faced mounting financial pressures and declining access to care. Against this backdrop, the organization’s commitment has centered on stabilizing vital community hospitals and ensuring they continue to serve as reliable healthcare providers.
A major component of the investment has been directed toward upgrading clinical capabilities and infrastructure. Hospitals across the system have benefited from modernized medical technologies, enhanced cybersecurity systems, and expanded telemedicine services. These improvements aim to support both immediate patient care needs and long-term clinical excellence. Among the key advancements are the introduction of new C-arm imaging systems, neurosurgical mapping technologies, and the establishment of a new Infusion Center to support specialized treatments.
In addition, Prime Healthcare has implemented an advanced, integrated electronic medical records system through Epic, widely regarded as a leading platform in healthcare technology. This system enables improved coordination of care, better data accessibility for clinicians, and enhanced patient outcomes through more streamlined and efficient workflows.
Beyond technology and infrastructure, Prime has placed a strong emphasis on expanding service lines, particularly in behavioral health. Recognizing the growing demand for mental health services across the country, the organization has prioritized the development of emergency psychiatric care and other mental health resources. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to addressing the needs of both an aging population and individuals facing mental health challenges.
Another notable achievement in the first year is the attainment of Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) by all eligible Prime hospitals in Illinois. This designation ensures that emergency departments are equipped with specialized training, protocols, and resources to provide high-quality care for older adults. With this accomplishment, Prime Healthcare now operates the largest number of GEDA-certified emergency departments in the state—an important distinction as demand for geriatric care continues to rise.
The impact of these investments is also evident in the recognition received by the hospitals. Over the past year, all eight facilities have earned national and state honors for quality, safety, and health equity. Organizations such as U.S. News & World Report, Healthgrades, Forbes, the Lown Institute, and The Leapfrog Group have acknowledged the hospitals’ performance across various metrics, including clinical outcomes, patient safety, workforce excellence, and social responsibility.
Health equity has been a particularly strong focus. Several hospitals achieved top rankings in Illinois and even nationally for equity-related measures, reflecting efforts to ensure fair and inclusive care for all patient populations. These recognitions underscore Prime Healthcare’s physician-led model, which prioritizes clinical excellence alongside social responsibility.
Workforce stability and growth have also been central to the organization’s approach. By saving more than 13,000 jobs and creating over 1,000 new roles, Prime has reinforced its commitment not only to patient care but also to supporting healthcare professionals and local communities. Continued investment in recruitment, training, and workforce development has helped foster an environment where clinicians and staff can thrive.
The organization’s workplace culture has also received national recognition. Being named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for 2025 by Newsweek highlights Prime Healthcare’s focus on employee well-being and empowerment—an essential factor in delivering high-quality patient care.
At the individual hospital level, achievements have been equally noteworthy. Facilities across Illinois have received distinctions for antimicrobial stewardship, clinical excellence, and social responsibility. Several hospitals earned “A” grades in multiple categories on the Lown Institute Hospitals Index, including health equity, inclusivity, patient outcomes, and cost efficiency. Others were recognized as high-performing institutions by U.S. News & World Report or ranked among top hospitals by Forbes.
Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, for example, achieved exceptional recognition, including a No. 1 ranking in Illinois and the nation for pay equity. It also earned multiple “A” grades across key performance areas and was named among the “100 Great Community Hospitals” by Becker’s Healthcare. Similarly, Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital in Chicago ranked No. 1 in Illinois for health equity, demonstrating a strong commitment to equitable care delivery.
Other hospitals, including Resurrection Medical Center and St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, also received widespread recognition for patient safety, clinical quality, and overall performance. These achievements collectively highlight the systemwide progress made in just one year.
Looking ahead, Prime Healthcare’s focus remains on building upon this foundation. As the organization enters its second year in Illinois, priorities include further expanding services to meet evolving community needs, continuing investments in advanced clinical capabilities, and strengthening hospitals as essential pillars of their communities.
The first year in Illinois serves as a powerful example of what can be accomplished through targeted investment, strategic leadership, and a commitment to quality and equity. By modernizing facilities, enhancing care delivery, supporting healthcare workers, and prioritizing underserved populations, Prime Healthcare has not only stabilized critical institutions but also positioned them for long-term success.
Ultimately, the progress achieved reflects a broader vision: ensuring that hospitals remain accessible, resilient, and capable of delivering compassionate, high-quality care to every patient.
About Prime Healthcare and Prime Healthcare Foundation:
Prime Healthcare is an award-winning health system operating 54 hospitals and more than 360 outpatient locations in 15 states, providing over 3 million patient visits annually. It is one of the nation’s leading health systems, with more than 60,000 employees and physicians. Twenty-one (21) of the Prime Healthcare hospitals are members of the Prime Healthcare Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity. Based in Ontario, California, Prime Healthcare is nationally recognized for award-winning quality care and has been named a 10 Top and 15 Top Health System by Truven Health Analytics. Its hospitals have been named among the nation’s “100 Top Hospitals” 72 times and is one of Healthgrades’ most awarded health systems in the nation for patient safety
