Silver Cross Hospital Makes $8.5 Million Investment in Operating Rooms

With enhanced patient care, outcomes and experience as its focus, Silver Cross Hospital recently transformed all 11 of its operating rooms with an $8.5 million upgrade featuring state-of-the-art technology designed to enhance surgical precision, improve workflow efficiency and elevate the patient experience.

The completion marked the culmination of months of planning, coordination and collaboration – ahead of schedule. Throughout the renovation process, Silver Cross maintained uninterrupted, high-quality patient care while modernizing one of the hospital's most critical clinical environments.

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"The completion of the OR of the Future project represents a major investment in the future of surgical care at Silver Cross," said Michael Mutterer, RN, MA, LCPC, CADC, LNHA, President and Chief Executive Officer of Silver Cross Hospital. "These advanced operating rooms strengthen our ability to support some of the region's most sophisticated surgical procedures while expanding access to innovative technologies that improve outcomes and enhance the patient experience. This investment reflects our commitment to remaining at the forefront of surgical excellence for decades to come."

Advanced Technology for Better Patient Care

At the heart of the project was the installation of advanced Steris equipment designed to elevate both the surgical environment and the care experience.

Upgraded LED surgical lighting dramatically reduces shadowing and enhances visibility during procedures. New 4K monitors provide exceptional clarity for robotic and laparoscopic cases, giving surgeons sharper, more detailed imaging than ever before.

The renovated operating rooms also feature integrated technology that allows surgeons to capture and upload images directly into patients' electronic medical records in real time. The systems interface with the daily surgical schedule, reducing manual data entry and helping teams work more efficiently.

These improvements streamline clinical workflows while enhancing accuracy, communication and overall quality of care.

Advancing One of the Region's Premier Surgical Programs

The completion of the OR of the Future project marks a significant milestone for one of the Midwest's most advanced surgical programs. The $8.5 million investment equips Silver Cross physicians with leading-edge technology that will support continued growth across multiple surgical specialties while helping ensure patients have access to world-class care close to home.

Further reflecting its commitment to surgical excellence, Silver Cross was named the No. 1 hospital in Illinois for Surgical Care by Healthgrades in both 2024 and 2025, recognizing the hospital's consistently superior clinical outcomes across a broad range of surgical procedures.

At the center of that commitment is the Midwest Institute for Robotic Surgery at Silver Cross, a regional leader in robotic-assisted surgery. Home to one of the most experienced robotic surgery programs in the country, the institute continues to expand access to minimally invasive procedures that can help reduce pain, shorten hospital stays and accelerate recovery for patients.

The enhanced operating rooms also support continued innovation across a broad range of specialties, including cardiovascular, thoracic, neurosciences, orthopedic, breast and general surgery.

Silver Cross has built one of the region's most comprehensive heart surgery programs, providing advanced surgical treatments for complex cardiac conditions. The upgraded technology further strengthens the hospital's ability to support cardiovascular procedures with enhanced visualization and precision.

The investment also supports continued growth in thoracic surgery, including advanced lung cancer and lung disease treatments, as well as breast surgery services that utilize minimally invasive techniques and multidisciplinary care to improve outcomes and the patient experience.

In orthopedics, where Silver Cross performs a high volume of joint replacement and musculoskeletal procedures each year, the upgraded surgical environment helps surgeons deliver even greater precision while enhancing efficiency throughout the surgical journey.

"As healthcare continues to evolve, patients increasingly expect the most advanced treatment options available close to home," Mutterer added. "These renovated operating rooms position Silver Cross for the future by supporting the continued growth of our nationally recognized surgical programs. From robotic surgery and cardiovascular care to neurosciences, lung, breast and orthopedic services, we're making critical investments that ensure our patients have access to exceptional surgical care for generations to come."

Supporting the Future of Surgical Excellence

Through the Silver Cross Foundation's OR of the Future Campaign, donors are helping support technology and infrastructure that will serve patients today and well into the future, with nearly $3 million raised to date.

"We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our donors and the leadership of Scott Paddock, Senior Vice President of External Affairs, and Tracy Simons, Executive Director of the Silver Cross Foundation, whose efforts have helped offset the cost of this transformative project through the Silver Cross Foundation," Mutterer said. "Their commitment, along with the support of our community, is helping ensure that patients throughout our region have access to the most advanced surgical care available close to home."

The completion of all 11 operating rooms reinforces Silver Cross' position as a destination for advanced surgical care across the region. Combined with the expertise of the Midwest Institute for Robotic Surgery and the hospital's highly regarded heart, lung, breast and orthopedic surgery programs, these investments ensure patients continue to have access to innovative treatment options, leading technology and outstanding outcomes close to home.

For more information or to donate to the OR of the Future Campaign, visit silvercross.org/giving