RUSH University System for Health in Chicago, Illinois, has begun the construction of a 60,000ft² outpatient centre on North and Harlem Avenues.

The development is part of RUSH's ongoing efforts to provide healthcare services conveniently located for residents across the Chicago area.

The project gained momentum after it was approved by the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board in July last year.

The RUSH North & Harlem outpatient centre will be established at the site of a former Sears store.

It will significantly enhance healthcare access for residents of north-west Chicago and nearby suburbs such as Oak Park, River Forest and Elmwood Park.

Opening of RUSH North & Harlem is expected to take place early next year.

Once open, the three-storey facility is expected to feature around 90 rooms and include dedicated examination, consultation and procedure spaces.

To maximise patient convenience, the facility will offer same-day appointments for select specialities and primary care, online scheduling and extended operational weekends hours in addition to lab and radiology services.

It will have almost 200 parking spaces for patients and visitors.

RUSH North & Harlem will focus on offering primary care, neurology, cardiology AND urgent care services.

An additional suite of services at the centre will include urgent care, a comprehensive range of medical and surgical specialities, and a complete selection of imaging services.

RUSH Oak Park Hospital president and CEO Dr Dino Rumoro said: “Today marks a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare across the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana.

“This new outpatient center will be another example of how RUSH emphasises the importance of advancing services into communities.

“The centre highlights RUSH’s commitment to expanding our community reach, which is further realised through the recent openings of RUSH Oak Brook, RUSH Oak Lawn and RUSH Munster.”