Vision, mission and history
Our vision
Children's Memorial Hospital is guided by the belief that all children need to grow up in a protective and nurturing environment, where each child is given the opportunity to reach his or her potential. We believe this vision can provide a brighter future for all children.
Our vision is inspired by the courage of children and families. It is sustained by the extraordinary contributions of compassionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated staff and volunteers, and built upon a strong tradition started in1882 of providing unsurpassed health care for children.
Our mission
Children's Memorial Hospital is dedicated to the health and well-being of all children. As the pediatric teaching facility of Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, this commitment drives us to be a leader in:
- Pediatric healthcare delivery;
- Research into the prevention, causes and treatment of diseases that affect children;
- Education for physicians, nurses and allied health professionals; and
- Advocacy for the general well-being of all children.
As a charitable organization, we serve children and their families to the best of our abilities and the limits of our resources.
Our history
Founded in 1882 in an 8-bed cottage, Children's Memorial has grown in size and capacity over the past 125 years. Watch a slide show about key happenings in our history.