Academic medical centers are facing unprecedented change in the industries they straddle – healthcare and higher education. Healthcare organizations continue to face sweeping changes within the shifting industry, while higher education institutions face enrollment pressures and declining state funding. The end goal for both, however, remains remarkably similar: to provide the best possible environments for world-class patient care and student learning. 

To thrive despite industry turbulence, Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center (RUMC) has partnered with JLL for integrated facility management (FM) services, including life safety and facilities compliance. JLL will manage approximately 5 million square feet in 21 buildings encompassing clinical space, nursing facilities, administrative offices, warehouses and parking areas.  

“We’re excited to partner with RUMC in its pursuit of creating a world-class academic healthcare system and supporting its Anchor Mission strategy of improving the physical and economic health of its West Side community,” said Chad Pinnell, Managing Director, JLL Healthcare Solutions. “RUMC’s current facility management staff will join JLL, allowing RUMC to benefit from continuity of service combined with our leading practices and deep bench of healthcare facilities experts.” 

JLL’s Healthcare Solutions team, led by Richard Taylor, includes George Mills, former director of engineering at The Joint Commission and one of the foremost experts in hospital operations. In addition, JLL has retained former Kindred Healthcare executive Anthony Disser, M.S., B.S.N., R.N., as Advisor, Healthcare Solutions, to bridge the gap between operations and patient care. The Healthcare Solutions team will work closely with JLL’s Higher Education team, which has partnered with more than 200 colleges and universities around the globe. 

Through the FM partnership, JLL will help RUMC improve efficiency through leading practices and healthcare FM technologies, while reducing costs by as much as $40 million. With its experience in collaborating with unions, JLL anticipates a smooth transition for RUMC’s facility management professionals who join the JLL team.   

Energy efficiency will be a particular area of focus for the partnership. As part of its work with RUMC, JLL will gather energy usage and cost data from other healthcare systems in metropolitan Chicago to create a benchmarking tool. Through benchmarking, RUMC will be better positioned to pursue energy-saving strategies. 

In addition, JLL will help advance RUMC’s Anchor Mission strategy by seeking suppliers among nearby West Side businesses. JLL will provide education and training to help local businesses grow and boost neighborhood economic vitality. JLL is also sponsoring local health education programs to support community well-being.   

“We are impressed by the quality of JLL’s team and platform, and its understanding of both the healthcare and higher education environments,” said Michael E. LaMont, Vice President, Facilities Management, RUMC. “Also critical, JLL has best-in-class training programs in healthcare safety and compliance, and will provide career development opportunities to our transitioning employees. We are confident that JLL’s efforts will align with our tripartite mission of research, teaching and patient care.”